PURPOSE: Peer support programs based on exercise or challenge activities may have potential to improve well-being for women diagnosed with breast cancer. The current study investigated the role of social comparison and social identity based on group membership on posttraumatic growth (PTG) and distress. METHODS: Fifty-one women diagnosed with breast cancer who participated in a 1,000 mi group motorcycle ride completed pre- and post-ride surveys. Participants had a mean age of 49.82 years (SD = 7.04) and their average time since diagnosis was 6.39 years (SD = 3.89). RESULTS: Cancer-related distress significantly decreased after the ride. PTG did not significantly differ after the ride, which may have been a result of a ceiling effect on this measure. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that pre-ride PTG (p < 0.01) and upward social comparison during the ride (p < 0.05) were related to post-ride PTG. Pre-ride distress was the only variable to remain significantly related to post-ride distress (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study highlight the potential for challenge-based activities to provide a positive peer support environment for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Identifying factors that promote personal growth and reduce cancer-related distress allow us to create a model for the delivery of these challenge-based peer support activities.
PURPOSE: Peer support programs based on exercise or challenge activities may have potential to improve well-being for women diagnosed with breast cancer. The current study investigated the role of social comparison and social identity based on group membership on posttraumatic growth (PTG) and distress. METHODS: Fifty-one women diagnosed with breast cancer who participated in a 1,000 mi group motorcycle ride completed pre- and post-ride surveys. Participants had a mean age of 49.82 years (SD = 7.04) and their average time since diagnosis was 6.39 years (SD = 3.89). RESULTS:Cancer-related distress significantly decreased after the ride. PTG did not significantly differ after the ride, which may have been a result of a ceiling effect on this measure. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that pre-ride PTG (p < 0.01) and upward social comparison during the ride (p < 0.05) were related to post-ride PTG. Pre-ride distress was the only variable to remain significantly related to post-ride distress (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study highlight the potential for challenge-based activities to provide a positive peer support environment for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Identifying factors that promote personal growth and reduce cancer-related distress allow us to create a model for the delivery of these challenge-based peer support activities.
Authors: Tenbroeck Smith; Kevin D Stein; C Christina Mehta; Chiewkwei Kaw; James L Kepner; Trent Buskirk; Jeremy Stafford; Frank Baker Journal: Cancer Date: 2007-01-01 Impact factor: 6.860
Authors: Inge Henselmans; Vicki S Helgeson; Howard Seltman; Jakob de Vries; Robbert Sanderman; Adelita V Ranchor Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2010-03 Impact factor: 4.267
Authors: Cheryl Koopman; Lisa D Butler; Catherine Classen; Janine Giese-Davis; Gary R Morrow; Joan Westendorf; Tarit Banerjee; David Spiegel Journal: J Trauma Stress Date: 2002-08
Authors: Sharon Manne; Jamie Ostroff; Gary Winkel; Lori Goldstein; Kevin Fox; Generosa Grana Journal: Psychosom Med Date: 2004 May-Jun Impact factor: 4.312