Socially Supportive and Unsupportive Behaviors in Group Exercise for People Living With Cancer

Socially supportive relationships in physical activity (PA) can assist in coping with cancer-related distress and contribute to PA. While perceptions that social support (SS) is available are associated with well-being and PA, less is known about what behaviors contribute to perceptions of being supported, which is important for developing strategies to facilitate SS. We examined participants' experiences with SS behaviors in group exercise oncology programs. Twelve interviews and three focus groups were conducted with 24 people living with cancer to explore experiences with SS related to PA programs. Using reflexive thematic analysis, SS behaviors were identified in five themes: developing caring relationships; a safe haven of care, connection, and understanding; nurturing a desire for seizing opportunities; facilitating preparation for engagement in opportunities; and helping to fully engage in opportunities. SS helped participants cope with cancer, learn new skills and improve their exercise abilities, and form supportive connections with others.