Quality of life pilot intervention for breast cancer patients: use of social cognitive theory.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to evaluate an 8-week pilot intervention based on Social Cognitive Theory to improve quality of life for women with breast cancer.


METHODS
A total of 32 breast cancer patients were randomized to either the intervention or standard care. Outcome variables included quality of life, mood, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-regulation.


RESULTS
Effect sizes were calculated to examine the impact of the intervention, with moderate to large effect sizes found for several subscales of the outcome expectations variable: learning about cancer and treatment (d = 0.85), having a positive attitude (d = 0.54), talking about cancer (d = 1.02), engaging in relaxation (d = 0.62), and setting goals (d = 1.58).


CONCLUSIONS
A nonparametric sign test was conducted, indicating that women in the intervention condition either improved more or showed less decline than the women in standard care, p = .034, two-tailed. Implications and suggestions for the content and delivery of future psychosocial interventions with cancer patients are reviewed.
Graves
Kristi D
KD
Center for Research in Health Behavior, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. kdgrave@uky.edu
Carter
Cindy L
CL
Anderson
Eileen S
ES
Winett
Richard A
RA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012923:Social Class