Psychosocial benefits of the social support experienced at a community-based cancer wellness organization

This study was designed to identify the sources of social support and the perceived psychosocial benefits people diagnosed with cancer experience at a community-based cancer wellness organization. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 31 people diagnosed with cancer who regularly...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Andrea Meluch
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2022-01-01
Series:Qualitative Research in Medicine & Healthcare
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Online Access:https://www.pagepressjournals.org/index.php/qrmh/article/view/10232
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Summary:This study was designed to identify the sources of social support and the perceived psychosocial benefits people diagnosed with cancer experience at a community-based cancer wellness organization. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 31 people diagnosed with cancer who regularly used services at a community-based cancer wellness organization. Two themes were identified related to the sources of social support that participants experienced at the community-based cancer wellness organization: i) participants reported that individuals at the center (e.g., staff and volunteers) provided support, and ii) participants perceived the organization as a source of support. Further, four themes emerged related to participants’ perceptions of the psychosocial benefits of social support experienced at the community-based cancer wellness organization including i) reduced feelings of social isolation; ii) acceptance at the center in contrast to stigmatizing experiences elsewhere; iii) validation of new identity; and iv) experiences of relaxation and stress relief. The study findings demonstrate that community-based cancer wellness organizations can be a source of connection, acceptance, validation, and stress relief to people diagnosed with cancer.
ISSN:2532-2044