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Stress and physical activity in young adults treated for cancer: the moderating role of social support

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Abstract

Purpose

The first objective of the current investigation was to explore the relationships between adolescents and young adults’ (AYA) experiences of stress and social support resources (i.e., perceived social support and support group involvement) following treatment for cancer. The second objective was to examine the relationship between stress and physical activity behavior, and test if social support resources are moderators of this relationship.

Methods

AYAs (N = 64; mean age = 28.8 years, standard deviation (SD) = 5.5 years; mean time since diagnosis = 2.9, SD = 3.0 years) completed an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using correlation and hierarchical multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results

Stress was negatively related to perceived social support, support group involvement, and physical activity behavior. Support group involvement, but not perceived social support, moderated the association between stress and physical activity behavior.

Conclusions

Findings suggest establishing support groups, as part of psychosocial rehabilitation services, may help to reduce stress and promote an active lifestyle in AYAs treated for cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, 125 University Pr., Montpetit Hall Room 339, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada

    Jennifer Brunet

  2. Oregon Research Institute, 1776 Millrace Dr, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA

    Caitlin Love

  3. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada

    Raveena Ramphal

  4. Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada

    Catherine M. Sabiston

Authors
  1. Jennifer Brunet
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  2. Caitlin Love
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  3. Raveena Ramphal
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  4. Catherine M. Sabiston
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer Brunet.

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Brunet, J., Love, C., Ramphal, R. et al. Stress and physical activity in young adults treated for cancer: the moderating role of social support. Support Care Cancer 22, 689–695 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-2023-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-2023-0

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