Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is the phenomenon of positive change through the experience of trauma and adversity (O'Leary & Ickovics, 1995). Research suggests that the type of trauma sustained could have differing processes and outcomes from each other (Demark-wahnefried et al., 2000; Sabiston, McDonough, and Crocker, 2007). The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative data on PTG and illness related trauma. Fifty-seven published journal articles dating from before November 1st, 2007 in PsychINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge and from the authors own knowledge of the area were reviewed. Key words included PTG; benefit finding; thriving and positive changes. Key themes included: 'reappraisal of life and priorities'; 'trauma equals development of self'; 'existential re-evaluation'; and 'a new awareness of the body'. Findings suggest that there are unique elements to illness related PTG and a need for additional research into the processes and outcomes of physical illness related trauma.
Due to the amount of literature supporting exercise participation after cancer diagnosis, there has been recent interest in barriers to exercise engagement among cancer patients. However, little is known regarding reasons why people choose to disengage and how this disengagement occurs over time. This study aimed to qualitatively study the perceived barriers to exercise implementation, 5-year post-breast cancer diagnosis. Eighty-three female breast cancer survivors participated in a one-to-one semi-structured interview, regarding their experience of exercise over the past 5 years following their original participation in a group-based structured exercise intervention after diagnosis (41 from intervention and 42 from original control group). The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The findings included three main themes and several subthemes regarding the women's perceived barriers: psychological barriers (lack of motivation, fears, dislike of gym, not being the 'sporty type'), physical barriers (the ageing process, cancer treatment and other physical co-morbidities, fatigue and weight gain) and contextual and environmental barriers (employment, traditional female care-giving roles, proximity/access to facilities, seasonal weather). The findings add inductive support to the current survivor health research advocating the use of activity immediately after diagnosis, as well as the need for tailored activity programmes in order to overcome potential obstacles.
PurposeIn an earlier randomised controlled trial, we showed that early stage breast cancer patients who received a supervised exercise programme, with discussion of behaviour change techniques, had psychological and functional benefits 6 months after the intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine if benefits observed at 6 months persisted 18 and 60 months later.MethodsWomen who were in the original trial were contacted at 18 and 60 months after intervention. Original measures were repeated.ResultsOf the 148 women from the original study who agreed to be contacted again, 114 attended for follow-up at 18 months and 87 at 60 months. Women in the original intervention group reported more leisure time physical activity and more positive moods at 60 months than women in the original control group. Irrespective of original group allocation, women who were more active consistently reported lower levels of depression and increased quality of life compared to those who were less active.ConclusionsWe have shown that there are lasting benefits to an exercise intervention delivered during treatment to breast cancer survivors. Regular activity should be encouraged for women with early stage breast cancer as this can have lasting implications for physical and psychological functioning.
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