Psychosocial Outcomes in Online Cancer Support Groups

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to evaluate whether psychosocial outcomes in women with breast cancer differ based on the format of online group support. This objective will be addressed by the following specific aims: 1. Specific Aim #1 is to determine if there is a difference in depressive symptoms between women with breast cancer assigned to one of two treatment conditions: moderated online support or peer-led online support. • H1: Women with breast cancer who participate in moderated online support will report fewer depressive symptoms than women with breast cancer in peer led online support. 2. Specific Aim #2 is to determine if there is a difference in perceived social support between women with breast cancer who are assigned to one of two treatment conditions: moderated online support or peer-led online support. • H2: Women with breast cancer who participate in moderated online support will report greater perceived social support than women with breast cancer in peer-led online support. 3. Specific Aim #3 is to determine if there is a difference in quality of life in women with breast cancer who are assigned to one of two treatment conditions: moderated online support or peer-led online support. * H3: Women with breast cancer who participate in moderated online support will report better quality of life than women with breast cancer in peer-led online support. NOTE: Once the study began, it was obvious that we could not prevent anyone from joining a support group, if that was her choice. We also could not control if participants joined a second online support group or face-to-face group during the study. Therefore, we decided to omit a "usual care" (no support) group. The study was completed with just two groups: moderated and peer-support.