Abstract
Rewards derived from leading a cancer support group are poorly understood yet may be crucial to offset the challenges and difficulties of this role. This study sought to obtain the views of a representative sample of Australian cancer support group leaders (CSGLs) concerning the perceived rewards and challenges of their role. All CSGLs identified by the state-based Cancer Councils were invited to participate by postal questionnaire. Qualitative methods were used to analyze responses to open-ended questions concerning rewards and challenges. A total of 300 CSGLs returned the questionnaire (response rate = 66%) with 272 providing qualitative comments. Four parallel themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (i) Personal, (ii) Relationship, (iii) Group, and (iv) Community rewards and challenges. These were integrated into a model depicting key positive and negative aspects of the CSGL's role, to provide direction for future training and ongoing support of CSGLs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 750-767 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Social work in Health Care |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- cancer
- interpersonal relations
- leadership
- reward (psychology)
- self-help groups
- stress (psychology)
