Group climate in an open-ended cancer support group

A number of well-described controlled studies assessing cancer support group intervention support their effectiveness. All of these experimental groups have been close-ended and typically involve sir to eight weekly sessions. Because many cancer patients are unable or unwilling to participate in closed extended-session groups, there is particular need for analysis of the effectiveness of shortterm, open-ended groups. Additionally, objective measures are needed to delineate the factors contributing to a successful outcome in cancer support groups. We used the Short Form of the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQS) to characterize 23 sessions in an open-ended, short-term, Veterans Hospital based cancer support group. The cancer group scored significantly lower on the Avoiding and Conflict dimensions (p <.001) compared to a normative psychotherapy group sample. There was no difference on the Engaged dimension. This pilot study suggests that a cancer support group in this setting can create an environment where members are cohesive and take responsibility for their own change process, while keeping interpersonal conflict to a minimum. Based on these preliminary findings, we encourage controlled clinical trials examining the efficacy of open-ended cancer support groups.