Date of Award

Summer 1984

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biomedical Engineering

Program

Health Care Technologies Management

First Advisor

Hungelman, Jo Ann

Second Advisor

Crepear, Margaret T.

Third Advisor

McLane, Audrey

Abstract

This grounded qualitative study analyzed the functioning of cancer support groups. Data were collected through participant observation and analyzed through constant comparison of new data with data previously collected and categorized. The activity most frequently engaged in by group members was determined to be 'sharing'. By sharing feelings, personal experiences, philosophies and techniques found to be helpful, group members supported one another. Interactions among members were intense and reciprocal. The basic social process discovered to occur as a result of the sharing was a healing process. The healing process was divided into three identifiable stages: 1) entering the support group, gaining a new identity; 2) learning to cope with the painful feelings associated with cancer; 3) sharing with others the new self and re-offering the gifts received. The support groups were conceptualized to be a healing a community. As people entered and adopted the identity of their support group and began to share, they began to undergo a change. People reported that they felt less lonely, less frightened, and less frustrated. They appeared and shared that they felt more confident. Members were able, following their group experience, to assert themselves when necessary when relating to their physicians and to their significant others. Finally, group members developed both an ability and a strong desire to help others who were just beginning their struggle with a new diagnosis or problem.

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