Content of interaction

Outcomes from groups

Mechanisms which explain benefit

Factor which influences benefit

Openness of sharing personal lived experience

Increased knowledge or understanding of cancer

Use of metaphor helped reframe suffering―enabled learning -

Space where openness is possible― prevented in other interactions

Use of humour

Shared understanding of coping― shared strategies

Group can allow self-directed content

Domination of one member of the group

Real or lived interaction

Allows a space for emotions to be expressed

Being able to express suffering

Sharing loss

Negative experience having shared information used inappropriately

Understanding of coping behaviours increases

Other stakeholders /Facilitator sharing personal information―allowed or gave permission to open up

Personal difficulties revealed

Increase in valuable /trusted relationships

Lack of judgement given on any sharing

Negative experience―not wanting to share opening