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 |