Intervention to Enhance Empowerment in Breast Cancer Self-Help Groups

摘要

As arduous psychological reactions and loss of control almost inevitably represent a challenge forwomen diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, a participatory intervention study was initiatedthat aimed to enhance empowerment in breast cancer self-help groups. Women newly diagnosedwith breast cancer were invited to participate. The intervention encompassed three professionallyled self-help groups running sequentially, each group for approximately four months. Each groupof 5-7 participants met weekly. Several empowerment strategies were initiated by twoprofessional facilitators, aiming to promote empowerment processes and to manage stress. Theparticipants experienced group participation as both empowering and as a valuable source ofsupport, and although the group processes developed very differently, a strong sense offellowship developed in all three groups. The discussion highlights the findings in relation toseveral theoretical perspectives including social capital, social cohesion, risky agreements,helper-therapy and power/empowerment. We conclude that empowerment strategies that areimplemented in professionally led breast cancer self-help groups can contribute to participantempowerment and function as an important source of re-discovery and confirmation of theparticipants’ strengths and abilities.