Breast cancer survivors' decisions to participate in a physical activity group
Abstract
Breast cancer survivors may experience a variety of challenges following breast cancer. Participating in physical activity and group activity has been shown to produce improvements in many of these challenges. There are a set of programs available to survivors that include physical activity in a group format. Survivors who participate in these physical activity groups tend to experience physical, psychological, and social benefits, which they attribute to their involvement in the program. Little is known as to why survivors are joining such groups. The purpose of this research was to qualitatively explore breast cancer survivors' decisions to participate in a physical activity program following breast cancer and how they understand and interpret this process. Guided by interpretive description (Thorne, Reimer Kirkham, & MacDonald-Emes, 1997), semi structured interviews were conducted with 15 breast cancer survivors who were members of a regional dragon boating team. Resultant themes surrounded survivors' attraction to a dragon boating team, impactful beliefs and values, and challenges of joining the team. Narrative accounts were developed for each participant and four profiles of decision making were created: "searching for an activity like dragon boating", "just dove in", "breast cancer as an opportunity", and "hesitant to join". The results have theoretical implications for better understanding the decision-making processes for group physical activity in this population, and practical applications for informing potential participants, overcoming challenges to participation and improving the group.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
McDonough, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Social psychology|Health education
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