title: A naturalistic evaluation of psychosocial interventions for cancer patients in a community setting.
abstract: We used a naturalistic methodology to examine associations between change in cancer patients' emotional functioning and their use of interventions in a community organization. One-hundred ninety-two patients completed measures at baseline and 6 months later. During this time, they utilized the organization's various interventions as they wished. Attendance at educational events was associated with decreased well-being. Use of art therapy groups was not associated with decreases in negative emotion but was consistently associated with increases in positive emotion. Improved functioning on some measures was associated with use of psychoeducational groups, expressive/supportive groups, movement classes, healing arts, and a buddy-matching service.
authors.affiliation: Psychological and Behavioral Consultants, Cleveland, OH, USA. Jeremyshapiro@Yahoo.com
authors.forename: Jeremy P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McCue
authors.forename: Ellen N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Heyman
authors.forename: Tanujit
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dey
authors.forename: Harold S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Haller
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001155:Art Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric