The effect of group cohesion on rehabilitation outcome in cancer survivors

Abstract

The effect of group cohesion on rehabilitation outcome in cancer survivors May, Anne M.; Duivenvoorden, Hugo J.; Korstjens, Irene; van Weert, Ellen; HoekstraWeebers, Josette E. H. M.; van den Borne, Bart; Mesters, Ilse; van der Schans, Cees P.; Ros, Wynand J. G. Take-down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim.Downloaded from the University of Groningen/UMCG research database (Pure): http://www.rug.nl/research/portal. For technical reasons the number of authors shown on this cover page is limited to 10 maximum. AbstractObjective: Group-based physical training interventions have been shown to be effective in increasing quality of life in cancer survivors. Until now, however, the impact of cohesion within the group on intervention outcome has not been investigated.Methods: We examined self-reported individual group cohesion ratings collected in the first half of a 12-week rehabilitation programme for cancer survivors ðN ¼ 132Þ: Four dimensions of group cohesion were measured, i.e. the bond with the group as whole, the bond with other members, cooperation within the group and the instrumental value. Quality of life, physical functioning and fatigue were assessed before and after the intervention using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30. Linear multiple multivariate regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between group cohesion and intervention outcome.Results: The relationship between group cohesion and outcome was significantly modified by gender. Higher ratings of cooperation within the group predicted better post-intervention quality of life and physical functioning and less fatigue in men, and better quality of life and physical functioning in women. Additionally, women who reported a stronger bond with other members showed a lower quality of life after the intervention. No relationship was found between the instrumental value and the outcome variables.Conclusion: Some dimensions of group cohesion seem to be associated with intervention outcome. The underlying mechanisms need to be unravelled.

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

“…Synonymous with previous research, the high social identity scores revealed the possibility of AHT providing a strong supportive care network that promotes a positive cancer identity through group membership [29,30]. The common denominators of breast cancer and motorcycles provided participants with an initial shared connection, through which participants could develop deeper relationships with individuals and with the AHT group as a whole.…”

“…To date, there have been no studies directly linking social identity or group cohesion with PTG. However, studies have highlighted that identifying with a group and the bond created within that group is linked with an improved quality of life in cancer survivors participating in exercise interventions [e.g., 29,30]. Midtgaard et al [30] showed that although the initial link to the exercise group was their cancer, a shift in participants' cognitions and behaviour occurred during the exercise intervention.…”

Effects of an outpatient physical exercise program on hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients: a randomized clinical trial

“…However, group-based physical training interventions have been shown to be effective in increasing cancer survivors' HRQOL. 39 This probably reflects the psychosocial benefits that can accrue when group cohesion is created, providing social support and positive social comparisons. Additionally, cancer patients and survivors indicate that exercising in groups can increase one's motivation to overcome their physical limitations.…”

Body Composition, Physical Fitness, Functional Performance, Quality of Life, and Fatigue Benefits of Exercise for Prostate Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

“…Physically active prostate cancer patients also have significantly lower serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), higher insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-1) and a lower risk of high grade disease (Gleason score 7 or greater) compared to less-active prostate cancer patients [38][39][40] . Exercise is relatively inexpensive compared to pharmacological and/or radiation approaches 1 and has a social aspect that is important for older adults 41,42 and those with cancer 43,44 .…”