Writing toward well-being: A qualitative study of community-based workshops with breast cancer survivors

<p class="p1">Transitioning to breast cancer survivorship can be challenging, yet there are few community-based supports. Writing is a promising psychosocial intervention, but most studies have evaluated independent writing. In contrast, our qualitative study (n=12) explored women’s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Roanne Thomas, Wendy Gifford, Chad Hammond
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Pappin Communications 2017-04-01
Series:Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal
Online Access:https://canadianoncologynursingjournal.com/index.php/conj/article/view/783
Description
Summary:<p class="p1">Transitioning to breast cancer survivorship can be challenging, yet there are few community-based supports. Writing is a promising psychosocial intervention, but most studies have evaluated independent writing. In contrast, our qualitative study (n=12) explored women’s experiences in a community-based workshop. The analysis of workshop recordings, journals, and interviews resulted in three themes: (a) Sharing in safe spaces, (b) Seeking permission and balance, and (c) Fear and uncertainty. The themes document unmet needs related to the emotional impact of breast cancer, as well as the potential of community-based writing to enhance well-being. Such programs may address gaps in cancer survivorship care by providing safe spaces for emotional expression, while supporting participants in the crafting of new narratives focused on well-being.</p>
ISSN:1181-912X
2368-8076