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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT01396174

A Novel Prosocial Online Support Group for Distressed Breast Cancer Survivors

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Breast Neoplasms Breast Diseases Neoplasms Neoplasms by Site Skin Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

21 year–64 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19122, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

prosocial online support group

Behavioral

Six weekly 1.5 hour online support group meetings facilitated by a Cancer Support Community staff member. This online support group will maximize opportunities to provide help to others.

Other names: Life Beyond Cancer

Standard Online Support Group

Behavioral

Six weekly 1.5 hour online support group meetings facilitated by a Cancer Support Community staff member. This online support group will focus on encouraging self-expression.

Other names: Life Beyond Cancer

Primary outcomes

  1. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale

    Time frame: change from baseline to one month post-intervention

Secondary outcomes

  1. Sense of Coherence measure

    Time frame: 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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Temple University

Other

Collaborators

  • Cancer Support Community, Research and Training Institute, Philadelphia

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2014
Study completion
2014
First posted
Jul 18, 2011
Registry last updated
Apr 17, 2015

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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