title: Identifying supportive and unsupportive responses of others: perspectives of African American and Caucasian cancer patients.
abstract: This study uses focus group methodology to examine supportive and unsupportive responses experienced by African American and Caucasian cancer patients. Supportive responses included practical assistance, as well as people's willingness to listen, maintain a positive attitude, and pray. Unsupportive responses included others' withdrawal behaviors, patients having to support friends/family as they coped, and family/friends limiting patients' independence. Results reflect ways in which mental health providers, social workers, and health care providers can help patients express support needs, as well as how social networks can be better educated about the types of support valued by patients.
authors: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), 808 W Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA. grangec@vcu.edu
authors: Christina M
authors: CM
authors: Grange
authors: Robin K
authors: RK
authors: Matsuyama
authors: Kathleen M
authors: KM
authors: Ingram
authors: Laurie J
authors: LJ
authors: Lyckholm
authors: Thomas J
authors: TJ
authors: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*