Cameron, L.D., Booth, R.J., Schlatter, M., Ziginskas, D., & Harman, J.E. (2007). Changes in emotion regulation and psychological adjustment following use of a group psychosocial support program for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 16, 171–180.

A 12-week structured psychosocial support group of weekly two-hour sessions was led by two facilitators using an adapted form of Cunningham’s “Healing Journey” program. The intervention included training in relaxation, guided imagery, meditation, emotional expression, and exercises promoting control beliefs and benefit-finding. The prospective design included 10 phases to recruit, and 8–11 women were recruited for each group. Data were collected at baseline and at 4 months (corresponding to the end of the intervention), 6 months, and 12 months.

• The study reported on a sample of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Women participated in one of three conditions: intervention group (n = 54), standard care group (n = 44), and decliner group who refused the intervention (n = 56).

New Zealand

A quasi-experimental study design was used.

• Cortauld Emotional Control Scale: emotional suppression
• Illness Perceptions Questionnaire–Revised: perceived control
• Perceived Risk of Recurrence: two items, 1–10 scale
• Benefit-Finding Scale for Breast Cancer
• Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT): emotional well-being subscale
• Cancer Worry: two items, 1–10 scale
• State-Trait Anxiety Inventory: state anxiety
• Coping Efficacy: measured five items

Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed group differences in state anxiety over the first four months. Scores decreased for intervention participants, but not the standard care or decliner participants. Anxiety decreased overall from baseline to 6 months and from baseline to 12 months. Longitudinal follow-up occurred over 12 months.

• The study had no randomization.
• The study had a high level of decliners.
• The intervention required special training of facilitators to use the program.