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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
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The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Survivor identity and post-traumatic growth after participating in challenge-based peer-support programmes
Bronwyn A Morris1, Meredith Campbell, Megan Dwyer
1Viertel Centre for Research in Cancer Control, Cancer Council Queensland, Australia.
British Journal of Health Psychology
|January 5, 2011
Summary
Peer-support programs using challenge events help breast cancer (BC) survivors build a strong identity and achieve post-traumatic growth (PTG). These programs offer a unique supportive care alternative for BC survivors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) survivor identity is socially constructed, often portraying a singular image of resilience.
- Peer-support programs can foster positive role models, shape survivor identity, and promote post-traumatic growth (PTG).
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively investigate the lived experiences of BC survivors in a peer-support program centered around a challenge event.
- To understand how these programs influence survivor identity and PTG.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative, semi-structured, and written narrative study.
- Interpretative phenomenological analysis for interviews and thematic analysis for written narratives.
- 27 new participants and 10 experienced participants were interviewed and surveyed pre- and post-event.
Main Results:
- A safe network of survivors provided understanding and acceptance.
- Overcoming challenges and bonding with role models affirmed survivor identity and promoted PTG.
- Some participants experienced an identity shift, embracing the term 'BC survivor' positively.
Conclusions:
- Peer-support programs utilizing challenge events offer an innovative model for supportive care for BC survivors.
- These programs provide an effective alternative to traditional support group formats.
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