A Novel Prosocial Online Support Group for Distressed Breast Cancer Survivors
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Breast Cancer |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Oncology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | Any |
| Updated: | 11/18/2012 |
| Start Date: | August 2011 |
| End Date: | June 2014 |
| Contact: | Stephen J Lepore, Ph.D. |
| Email: | slepore@temple.edu |
| Phone: | 215-204-9422 |
The investigators hypothesize that breast cancer survivors participating in a prosocial
online support group will have a significantly lower mean level of psychological symptoms
(anxiety/depression) and higher mean level of sense of purpose post-intervention than
participants in a standard online support group.
Psychological distress is a significant problem among breast cancer survivors. Many
survivors turn to the internet for information and support, yet few controlled studies have
examined the effectiveness and safety of online support groups. The investigators are
testing the potential efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of an innovative theory-based
online support group (OSG) for breast cancer survivors. Members of the control group will
participate in a standard OSG that encourages self-expression. Members of the experimental
condition will participate in a prosocial OSG that provides structured helping opportunities
and coaching on how best to give support to others. Participants will complete two telephone
interviews and six weekly online support group meetings.
Inclusion Criteria:
- diagnosed with stage I or II breast cancer in preceding 36 months
- 21-64 years of age
- access to and ability to use a computer and the internet to communicate with others
- fluent in spoken English
- meet the screening criteria for psychological distress (score >7 on either the
depression or anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales
Exclusion Criteria:
- currently taking medication for depression
We found this trial at
1
site
Temple University Temple University is many things to many people. A place to pursue life's...
Click here to add this to my saved trials
