Peer support for women with breast cancer: The role of empathy and self-disclosure

Author(s): Solomons, W., Barker, C.

Journal/Book: J Community Appl Social Psych. 1999; 9: Baffins Lane Chichester, W Sussex PO19 1UD, England. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 217-229.

Abstract: This study examined how women with breast cancer perceived different styles of peer helping. Forty recently diagnosed breast cancer patients evaluated three audiotaped conversations between a breast cancer patient and an lex-patient) volunteer helper; the conversations differed in terms of the empathy and self-disclosure offered by the helper. The findings supported the first hypothesis, that a helping style involving high self-disclosure would be positively evaluated only in the presence of high empathy. However, the findings did not support the second hypothesis, that in conversations where high empathy is present, a helping style involving high self-disclosure would be evaluated more positively than one involving low self-disclosure. Qualitative data suggested that the helper's ability to listen to the patient and the helper's appropriate sharing of her own experience of breast cancer were both perceived as important components of effective helping. Implications for the training and practice of volunteer helpers are discussed.

Note: Article Pistrang N, Univ Coll London, Subdept Dept Clin Hlth Psychol, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): breast cancer; peer helping; social support; SOCIAL SUPPORT; RESPONSE-MODES; PERCEPTIONS; PARTNERS; THERAPY; HELPFUL; HEALTH

Zurück | Weiter