A Novel Prosocial Online Support Group for Distressed Breast Cancer Survivors

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Breast Neoplasms
• Interventions: Behavioral: Standard Online Support Group; Behavioral: prosocial online support group

• Registration Number: NCT01396174
• Lead Sponsor: Temple University

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2011-07-13
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-07-14
• Study First Posted: 2011-07-18
• Study Start: 2011-08
• Primary Completion: 2014-11
• Study Completion: 2014-11
• Status Verified: 2015-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-04-16
• Last Update Posted: 2015-04-17

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 184

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Standard Online Support Group	Standard Online Support Group	-
Prosocial Online Support Group	prosocial online support group	-

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale	change from baseline to one month post-intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Sense of Coherence measure	change from baseline to one month post-intervention	We are using the Meaningfulness/Purpose in Life subscale of the Sense of Coherence measure to assess sense of purpose.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Temple University; 🇺🇸 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States