Effects of an adult cancer camp on hope, perceived social support, coping, and mood states.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine whether attendance of an adult cancer camp had an effect on campers' hope, perception of social support, use of coping strategies, and mood states.

DESIGN

Pre- and post-test; no control group.

SETTING

Cancer camps in two medium-sized mid-western cities.

SAMPLE

32 of 45 eligible first-time campers; predominantly middle-aged, married women who were within one year of diagnosis.

METHODS

Participants completed five mailed questionnaires within two weeks prior to attending camp and one week after returning home from camp.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Levels of hope, perceptions of social support, coping strategies, and mood states.

FINDINGS

No significant differences in hope, perceived social support, or coping strategies precamp to postcamp. Campers were significantly less angry and less energetic postcamp. Although nonsignificant, changes over time were in the expected direction.

CONCLUSIONS

Small sample size and lack of instrument sensitivity to detect change or lack of changeability of measured attributes may have contributed to the lack of significant change scores. Replication with larger groups and a control group is recommended.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Cancer camp may improve quality of life for adults with cancer, but more study is needed. Campers' oral evaluations were very positive, and some campers acknowledged a new appreciation for the value of support from others with cancer.