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Distance art groups for women with breast cancer: guidelines and recommendations

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Abstract

To overcome barriers that prevent women with breast cancer from attending support groups, innovative formats and modes of delivery both need to be considered. The present study was part of an interdisciplinary program of research in which researchers from counseling psychology, psycho-oncology, nursing, computer science, and fine arts have explored art making as an innovative format and telehealth as a mode of delivery. For this study, we conducted focus groups and interviews with 25 people with expertise about breast cancer, art, art therapy, and distance delivery of mental health services to generate guidelines for distance art-based psychosocial support services to women with breast cancer. A qualitative analysis of the focus group and interview data yielded guidelines for developers and facilitators of distance art groups for women with breast cancer pertaining to (a) emotional expression, (b) emotional support, (c) emotional safety, and (d) accommodating individual differences, plus special considerations for art therapy groups. Further research is needed pertaining to the use of computers, involvement of art therapists, and screening out vulnerable clients.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank our research assistant, Jennifer Wilson, and the 25 people who offered their time and ideas for this study. The research was supported by a Hampton Fund research grant from the University of British Columbia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5718, USA

    Kate Collie

  2. Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia, Okanagan 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada

    Joan L. Bottorff

  3. Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education, University of British Columbia, 2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Bonita C. Long

  4. Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, 2366 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Cristina Conati

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  1. Kate Collie
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  2. Joan L. Bottorff
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  4. Cristina Conati
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Correspondence to Kate Collie.

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Collie, K., Bottorff, J.L., Long, B.C. et al. Distance art groups for women with breast cancer: guidelines and recommendations. Support Care Cancer 14, 849–858 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0012-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0012-7

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