Effects of the Self-help Group Program for Promoting Self-Transcendence in Women with Breast Cancer

유방암 환자의 자기초월감 증진을 위한 자조집단과정 개발 및 운영 효과

Cancer survivor's self-help group may promote psychosocial adjustment in cancer patients. Self-transcendence has been shown to be related with crisis and adjustment in women with breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of self-transcendence promoting program to facilitate self-transcendence, physical, and emotional well-being in women with breast cancer. Thirty patients who received mastectomy were recruited, but 9 subjects of experimental group and 14 subjects of control group participated in this study. Subjects of experimental group attended the self-help group for self-transcendence once a week for 6 weeks. Each session of program was proceeded for 2hours and the program contained activities for promoting self-transcendence, stress management, communication skill, exercise and relaxation, symptom management, and family support. Data were collected by self-reporting questionnaires within seven days after mastectomy and after the program was finished in experimental group, within 7 days after mastectomy and after 3 months in control group. Self-transcendence was assessed using the self-transcendence scale (STS) developed by Reed. Physical well being was assessed using Symptom distress scale (SDS) developed by McCorkle and Young and emotional well being was assessed using Profile of mood states (POMS). As a result, no significant differences were found between both groups in changes of self-transcendence, emotional well-being, and physical well-being. Self-transcendence score was significantly decreased in control group (p =0.16). But that of experimental group showed no decrease. In conclusions, when the self-transcendence promoting program is provided to the patients with breast cancer, it can be helpful for promoting self- transcendence. For the further study, repeated research with appropriate sample size and more intensive nursing intervention to promote self-transcendence is suggested. And reassessment after 6 months is recommended for testing long term effects of the program.