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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-08-2012 | Original Article

Motorcycles and breast cancer: The influence of peer support and challenge on distress and posttraumatic growth

Authors: B. A. Morris, S. K. Chambers, M. Campbell, M. Dwyer, J. Dunn

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 8/2012

Abstract

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.

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Title: Motorcycles and breast cancer: The influence of peer support and challenge on distress and posttraumatic growth
Authors: B. A. Morris
S. K. Chambers
M. Campbell
M. Dwyer
J. Dunn
Publication date: 01-08-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 8/2012
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-011-1287-5

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