https://doi.org/10.4081/qrmh.2021.10232
Psychosocial benefits of the social support experienced at a community-based cancer wellness organization
Submitted: 19 October 2021
Accepted: 31 December 2021
Published: 31 January 2022
Accepted: 31 December 2021
Abstract Views: 386
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Authors
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.
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How to Cite
Meluch, Andrea. 2022. “Psychosocial Benefits of the Social Support Experienced at a Community-Based Cancer Wellness Organization”. Qualitative Research in Medicine and Healthcare 5 (3). https://doi.org/10.4081/qrmh.2021.10232.
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