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Abstract

Grant Number:	1F31AT003044-01
Project Title:	Psychosocial Mechanisms of CAM Interventions in Breast Cancer

PI Information:	Name	Email	Title
	RAUSCH, SARAH M.	rauschsm@vcu.edu

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): One in seven women will develop breast cancer. Most will suffer medically and psychologically from the disease. CAM interventions have proven to be beneficial for this population, however, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms of action in these techniques. The purpose of the proposed study is to evaluate the psychosocial mechanisms of action within the context of a larger NCI-funded study of two 10-week CAM interventions (tai chi and spiritual growth groups) on psychoneuroimmunological (PNI) outcomes with a sample of women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The study proposed herein will examine the psychosocial mechanisms of action by focusing on dispositional predictors (optimism, attentional style, emotional intelligence) on post-intervention outcomes: coping, stress, benefit finding, quality of life, mood, and neuroendocrine and immune functioning. Additionally, the potential interaction of the dispositional and situational variables, and potential mediating variables will be evaluated. As many as 80% of cancer patients report using CAM, however, very little is known about many CAM interventions. Recognized, the first of the recently-published research priorities of NCCAM is "A priority to elucidate mechanisms of action." Along this line, the proposed research will investigate the psychosocial mechanisms of action in two CAM interventions, with PNI outcomes. Results from this research could potentially guide the treatment of women with breast cancer by providing enhanced understanding of how tai chi and spiritual growth groups affect this population psychologically, behaviorally, and biologically.

Public Health Relevance:
This Public Health Relevance is not available.

Thesaurus Terms:
breast neoplasm, psychological aspect of cancer, psychoneuroimmunology
coping, quality of life, stress management
alternative medicine, behavioral /social science research tag, clinical research, female, human subject, predoctoral investigator, women's health

Institution:	VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
	PO BOX 980568
	RICHMOND, VA 232980568
Fiscal Year:	2005
Department:	NONE
Project Start:	18-JUL-2005
Project End:	17-JUL-2006
ICD:	NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
IRG:	ZAT1

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