Psychosocial Mechanisms of CAM Interventions in Breast Cancer

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA

Investigators

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): One in seven women will develop breast cancer. Most will suffer medically and psychologically from the disease. CAM interventions have proven to be beneficial for this population, however, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms of action in these techniques. The purpose of the proposed study is to evaluate the psychosocial mechanisms of action within the context of a larger NCI-funded study of two 10-week CAM interventions (tai chi and spiritual growth groups) on psychoneuroimmunological (PNI) outcomes with a sample of women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The study proposed herein will examine the psychosocial mechanisms of action by focusing on dispositional predictors (optimism, attentional style, emotional intelligence) on post-intervention outcomes: coping, stress, benefit finding, quality of life, mood, and neuroendocrine and immune functioning. Additionally, the potential interaction of the dispositional and situational variables, and potential mediating variables will be evaluated. As many as 80% of cancer patients report using CAM, however, very little is known about many CAM interventions. Recognized, the first of the recently-published research priorities of NCCAM is "A priority to elucidate mechanisms of action." Along this line, the proposed research will investigate the psychosocial mechanisms of action in two CAM interventions, with PNI outcomes. Results from this research could potentially guide the treatment of women with breast cancer by providing enhanced understanding of how tai chi and spiritual growth groups affect this population psychologically, behaviorally, and biologically.