Effect of counseling on quality of life for individuals with cancer and their families.

This study examined the effect of counseling on the quality of life of individuals with cancer and their family members. Three convenience samples were drawn from a hospital in Southwest Florida. Group A consisted of new participants to a Revised "I Can Cope" Program, which now included a counseling component. Group B consisted of former Revised "I Can Cope" Program participants who elected to attend an ongoing support group. Group C consisted of individuals who did not attend either the "I Can Cope" Program or support group. Measures were taken throughout this study to answer research questions. Although there were no statistically significant findings, several conclusions were drawn. Counseling was not found to have an effect on the quality of life of these individuals. Coping strategies were not found to vary between groups of individuals who received education and/or counseling and those who did not. Individuals who had previously received counseling reported it to be a positive experience. Individuals were found to receive support from family members and friends. This study provided an initial basis for further investigation in the areas of counseling and quality of life.