RT Journal
A1 Helgeson VS, Cohen S, Schulz R, Yasko J
T1 EDucation and peer discussion group interventions and adjustment to breast cancer
JF Archives of General Psychiatry
JO Archives of General Psychiatry
YR 1999
FD April 1
VO 56
IS 4
SP 340
OP 347
DO 10.1001/archpsyc.56.4.340
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.56.4.340
AB Background 
    We report a clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of education-based and peer discussion–based group interventions on adjustment to breast cancer.Methods 
    Women with stage I, II, or III breast cancer (n=312) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 group conditions: control, education, peer discussion, or education plus peer discussion (combination). Seven groups (each comprising 8-12 women) were conducted in each of the 4 conditions (28 groups total). Adjustment was measured before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 6 months after the intervention.Results 
    Consistently positive effects on adjustment were seen in the education groups both immediately following and 6 months after the intervention. There were no benefits of participation in peer discussion groups, and some indications of adverse effects on adjustment at both follow-up examinations. The effects could be explained by changes in self-esteem, body image, and intrusive thoughts about the illness.Conclusions 
    Education-based group interventions facilitated the initial adjustment of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. There was no evidence of benefits from peer discussion group interventions.