The role of social support in physical activity for cancer survivors: A systematic review
Date
2019-10-28
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
Social support is conceptualized and operationalized in many ways, making it challenging to understand what types of support best predict physical activity (PA) in cancer survivors. This review examined associations between social support and PA among cancer survivors.
Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched eight databases for studies that reported an association between social support and PA among adult cancer survivors. We conducted an appraisal and a narrative synthesis of the findings from quantitative studies.
Results: N=50 studies representing 28,366 participants were included. Studies collectively included concepts addressing the presence of relationships, others’ PA behavior, perceptions of being supported, and function/quality. Findings were mixed in suggesting a positive or null association with PA.
Conclusions: While results are not definitive, this review takes a step toward mapping the social support literature in PA for cancer survivors. Limitations include the homogeneity of the participants in extant studies, and the secondary focus on testing the effects of social support on outcomes. Future research systematically testing the effects of social support is important for facilitating PA in this population.
Description
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: "McDonough, M. H., Beselt, L. J., Daun, J. T., Shank, J., Culos-Reed, S. N., Kronlund, L. J., & Bridel, W. (2019). The role of social support in physical activity for cancer survivors: A systematic review. Psycho-Oncology, 28(10), 1945–1958. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5171", which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pon.5171. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
Keywords
cancer, oncology, exercise psychology, martial status, neoplasms, physical activity, social networks, social support, exercise
Citation
McDonough, M. H., Beselt, L. J., Daun, J. T., Shank, J., Culos-Reed, S. N., Kronlund, L. J., & Bridel, W. (2019). The role of social support in physical activity for cancer survivors: A systematic review. Psycho-Oncology, 28(10), 1945–1958. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5171