A Novel Prosocial Online Support Group for Distressed Breast Cancer Survivors

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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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.

Official Title
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A Novel Prosocial Online Support Group for Distressed Breast Cancer Survivors

Conditions
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Breast Neoplasms

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: prosocial online support group
* Behavioral: Standard Online Support Group


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 64 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Standard Online Support Group<br> | Behavioral: Standard Online Support Group<br>* 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.<br>* Other names: Life Beyond Cancer;|
| Experimental: Prosocial Online Support Group<br> | Behavioral: prosocial online support group<br>* 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.<br>* Other names: Life Beyond Cancer;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale |  | change from baseline to one month post-intervention | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

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

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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breast cancer, breast tumor