The Behavioral Medicine Report

In a long term follow up (median = 11 years) study, researchers* report that women with breast cancer who received group therapy (i.e., psychological treatment in a group format) versus those in an assessment only group (n = 227) experienced statistically significant improvements life expectancy 11 years after diagnosis. Group therapy consisted of 8-12 participants and 2 psychologists with an overall focus on stress reduction, quality of life improvements, improved health behaviors, and adherence to medical treatment. A multi-modal approach to intervention was used, including progressive muscle relaxation, problem solving, identification of available social support, and physical exercise and dietary regimens. Group therapy was, of course, administered concurrently with the participants’ medical therapies. The researchers did an excellent job in their statistical control of extraneous factors, such as lymph node status, tumor size, and type of medical treatment. (more…)