title: The effect of group cohesion on rehabilitation outcome in cancer survivors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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 (N=132). 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Some dimensions of group cohesion seem to be associated with intervention outcome. The underlying mechanisms need to be unravelled.
authors: Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. a.m.may@umcutrecht.nl
authors: Anne M
authors: AM
authors: May
authors: Hugo J
authors: HJ
authors: Duivenvoorden
authors: Irene
authors: I
authors: Korstjens
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: van Weert
authors: Josette E H M
authors: JE
authors: Hoekstra-Weebers
authors: Bart
authors: B
authors: van den Borne
authors: Ilse
authors: I
authors: Mesters
authors: Cees P
authors: CP
authors: van der Schans
authors: Wynand J G
authors: WJ
authors: Ros
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009769:Object Attachment; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012933:Social Identification; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome