Motorcycles and breast cancer: The influence of peer support and challenge on distress and posttraumatic growth
Menée en Australie auprès de 51 patientes atteintes d'un cancer du sein, cette étude analyse l'impact d'une activité de loisir avec un défi à relever, ici une longue randonnée à moto, sur leur détresse psychologique et leur bien-être
Purpose Peer support programs based on exercise or challenge activities may have potential to improve well-being for women diagnosed with breast cancer. The current study investigated the role of social comparison and social identity based on group membership on posttraumatic growth (PTG) and distress. Methods Fifty-one women diagnosed with breast cancer who participated in a 1,000 mi group motorcycle ride completed pre- and post-ride surveys. Participants had a mean age of 49.82 years ( SD = 7.04) and their average time since diagnosis was 6.39 years ( SD = 3.89). Results Cancer-related distress significantly decreased after the ride. PTG did not significantly differ after the ride, which may have been a result of a ceiling effect on this measure. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that pre-ride PTG ( p < 0.01) and upward social comparison during the ride ( p < 0.05) were related to post-ride PTG. Pre-ride distress was the only variable to remain significantly related to post-ride distress ( p < 0.01). Conclusions The results of the current study highlight the potential for challenge-based activities to provide a positive peer support environment for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Identifying factors that promote personal growth and reduce cancer-related distress allow us to create a model for the delivery of these challenge-based peer support activities.