Supportive expressive group therapy for women with advanced ovarian cancer

Supportive Expressive Group Therapy (SEGT) has been shown to enhance the well-being of women with breast cancer. However, its applicability for other cancer populations has yet to be determined. Critics assert that cancer support groups may be harmful, especially for patients with advanced disease. Two qualitative studies were conducted to assess the application of SEGT to women with advanced ovarian cancer. In Study 1, a qualitative analysis was conducted on participant interviews designed to evaluate SEGT in ovarian cancer populations by exploring both positive and negative experiences associated with SEGT. In Study 2, interviews with SEGT participants and their health care professionals were conducted and analyzed using a grounded theory analysis. Interviews explored how SEGT affected patients' relationships with medical professionals. Results of Study 1 suggested that SEGT could be challenging to the participants in that it involved both the discussion of distressing emotions and the witnessing of group members' suffering and death. However, though painful, the women generally perceived these emotions as part of the process of coming to terms with their cancer, and thus found SEGT helpful. Results of Study 2 revealed that, if initially misdiagnosed, women typically experienced feelings of anger and a loss of trust in health care professionals. SEGT was helpful in resolving anger and restoring trust by facilitating communication and increasing understanding. Oncology professionals perceived SEGT as enhancing patients' ability to cope with cancer. Women with advanced ovarian cancer felt that the benefits of SEGT far outweighed the associated distress and potential for harm. The reported substantial positive outcomes countered criticisms that SEGT may have negative iatrogenic effects.