[Developing and testing the effects of a psychosocial intervention on stress response and coping in Korean breast cancer survivors: a pilot study].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to develop a socioculturally-appropriate psychosocial intervention program for Korean patients with breast cancer and test its effects on stress, anxiety, depression, and coping strategies.


METHODS
One group pretest and posttest design was used to test the effects of the intervention. A post-intervention interview was conducted to refine the nature of the intervention. A convenience sample of 10 breast cancer survivors was recruited from the outpatients clinics. Psychosocial intervention was developed to provide the health education, stress management, coping skill training and support weekly (90 min) for 6 weeks.


RESULTS
There was a significant decrease in stress scores following the intervention (Z= -2.388, p=0.017). However, no significant changes were noted in the use of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies, nor in the changes of anxiety and depression levels. Content analysis of interview data revealed six clusters; changes in perception, changes in problem solving approaches, changes in anger management, changes in life pattern, social support and reduction of perceived stress.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on quantitative and qualitative data, we recommend the refinements of the intervention in the following areas for future studies: 1) duration, activities, and progression of psychosocial intervention; 2) research design and sample size; and 3) measurements.
Kim
Cho-Ja
CJ
College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Kangwon-do 220-701, Korea.
Hur
Hea-Kung
HK
Kang
Duck-Hee
DH
Kim
Bo-Hwan
BH
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*