45-2 A Study on Benefits of Using a Two-Day Workshop to Facilitate Intimacy of Breast Cancer Couples
The aim of this study was to examine benefits of the group program to facilitate intimate relationships of breast cancer couples through a two-day workshop. The framework of the group program was based on ＂The Relationship Intimacy Model of Couple Adaptation to Cancer＂ proposed by Sharon Manne and Hoda Badr in 2008. 5 breast cancer couples agreed to participate in the 13-hour workshop after having read and signed the informed consents in 2010. Participants wrote the group feedback forms immediately after the workshop and were interviewed by researchers two months later. The follow-up explanations model was used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The results showed this group program had brought some benefits to facilitating breast cancer couples’ intimacy. The conclusions are as follows: (1) The group program enhanced the quality of couples’ intimacy. After the group program, couples showed improvements on their communication. Namely, to express themselves appropriately, to appreciate partners positively, to increase mutual understanding, to decrease conflicts, and to learn self-awareness and reflection on interactions. (2) Couples considered that using body language to communicate intimacy and creating artwork corporately were the most effective group activities. (3) Group programs facilitating couples’ intimacy encouraged couples to narrate their cancer experiences, learning to appreciate partners positively and to form a safe and cozy atmosphere. (4) Group programs slightly facilitated couples to talk about sexual intimacy. This subject should be conducted in a safe, trustworthy, and mutually supportive group atmosphere. (5) Group programs should consider sexual differentiation regarding recruitment and activities in order to enhance participation of men and the dynamics of the group.
Keywords
benefits of group program ； breast cancer couples ； follow-up explanations model ； intimacy ； two-day workshop
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