title: Psychological effects and mediators of a group multi-component program for breast cancer survivors.
abstract: This study evaluated the short-term impact of YWCA Encore, a mixed-modality group exercise and information support program for breast cancer patients situated in the community setting. Australian post-surgical breast cancer patients (N = 162) were assigned to either the 8-week Encore intervention or a Waitlist control. Intervention impact was assessed in terms of quality of life, cancer-specific distress, and social support. Changes in familiarity with exercise, self-efficacy and social support were tested as mediators of the intervention impact on quality of life. Overall adherence and satisfaction with the program were high. Significant enhancements at follow-up for quality of life and social support were evident for intervention compared with control participants. Familiarity with exercise and self-efficacy satisfied the requirements for mediation of quality of life. These findings provide evidence for psychosocial benefits of YWCA Encore multi-component program and support the use of such community-based programs for breast cancer survivors. The role of exercise familiarity and self-efficacy as probable mediators of the multi-component intervention is a critical finding and highlights the need for future investigations into the underlying mediating processes of similar interventions for cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia. kerry.sherman@mq.edu.au
authors.forename: Kerry A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Sherman
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heard
authors.forename: Karen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cavanagh
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*