Changes in psychological adjustment over the course of treatment for breast cancer: the predictive role of social sharing and social support.

Background: Although research on social sharing suggests it could be an important factor in subsequent adjustment, it has rarely been examined in combination with the nature of the support received by patients. The goal of this study was to determine whether and to what extent social sharing concerning the disease and perceived social support after breast surgery explain psychological adjustment at the end of the treatment.

Methods: One hundred two participants were recruited consecutively at a large cancer care center (Gustave Roussy, France).