An exploratory study of social support: A cross-cultural comparison of Chinese-, Japanese-, and Anglo-American breast cancer patients

Author(s): KagawaSinger, M., Reid, S. L., Lin, Y. J., NishikawaLee, S., Wellisch, M.

Journal/Book: Psycho Oncol. 1999; 8: Baffins Lane Chichester, W Sussex PO19 1UD, England. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 207-219.

Abstract: This paper investigated the nature of social support for Asian- and Anglo-American women post breast cancer treatment. Forty-six Anglo- and Asian-American (13 Anglo-American, 18 Chinese-American and 15 Japanese-American women) women were assessed 6 months to 3 years post-treatment. Assessments consisted of a semi-structured interview plus standardized psychological tests. Three major hypotheses were developed and tested in the study. Results showed: (1) Anglo-American women indicated a greater need for social support than either of the two Asian-American groups in 66% of the categories; (2) no differences were found between the three ethnic groups in receipt of emotional or tangible social support; and (3) the network size and composition differed significantly in 83% of the categories between the Angle group and at least one of the Asian groups. These differences were in size, mode, and perceived adequacy of social support. Implications for culturally-based clinical practice which emerge from these findings are discussed.

Note: Article Wellisch D, Univ Calif Los Angeles, NPI, 740 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles,CA 90024 USA

Keyword(s): ASIAN-AMERICANS; MASTECTOMY; ADJUSTMENT; STUDENTS; STRESS

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