Effects of time-limited support group intervention on the quality of life of post-surgical breast cancer patients

Abstract

Although increasing attention has been paid to psychosocial intervention for cancer patients since psychooncology was introduced in the mid-80s, few studies of its effects on the quality of life of these patients have been conducted so far in Japan. The purpose of this study is to evaluate both quantitatively and qualitatively the effects of support group intervention designed for breast cancer patients. Six outpatients participated in a total of 8 weekly sessions, which consisted of Relaxation, Focusing, and Group Discussion, and 3 monthly follow-ups. Comparison of the Profile of Mood States scores including the Total Mood Disturbance score between pre- and post-intervention indicated that negative mood states were improved in 4 out of 6 participants. Quantitative analysis using brainstorming and the KJ method revealed that this type of support group could reduce not only physical and emotional distress but also social and existential distress. Contrary to our expectation, however, patients’ support networks, especially the friend network, were diminished significantly after the intervention. The reason for this and the future direction of this kind of intervention are mode a discussion.