Positive Health Online

Abstract

RICHARDSON and colleagues, Center for Alternative Medicine Research, University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health USA conducted a pilot study to study the effects of imagery and support upon coping, life attitudes, immune function, quality of life and emotional well-being following breast cancer. METHODS: 47 women who had completed treatment for primary breast cancer, excluding stage IV, were randomly assigned to either standard care (n=15) or six weekly support (n=16) or imagery (n=16) sessions. Self-report measures included Ways of Coping-Cancer, Life Attitude Profile, Quality of Life (FACT-B), Profile of Mood States and Functional Support. Immune measures included natural killer cell activity, plasma neopterin, interferon-gamma, interleukins 1 alpha, 1 beta and 2 and beta-endorphin levels.

Background

Methodology

Results

For all the women in this study, interferon-gamma increased, neopterin decreased, quality of life improved and natural killer activity remained the same. Compared with the women in the standard care group, women in the two intervention groups improved coping skills (seeking support) and perceived social support and tended to enhance meaning in life. Support raised overall coping and acceptance of death. Comparing the imagery and support groups, women in the imagery group tended to have less stress, increased vigour and improved functional and social quality of life.

Conclusion

Imagery reduced stress and improved quality of life, both imagery and support improved coping, attitudes and perception of support . The clinical implications of these changes deserve further research.

References

Richardson MA et al. Coping, life attitudes, and immune responses to imagery and group support after breast cancer treatment. Altern Ther Health Med. 3(5): 62-70. Sep 1997.