Stress and physical activity in young adults treated for cancer: the moderating role of social support.

PURPOSE: The first objective of the current investigation was to explore the relationships between adolescents and young adults' (AYA) experiences of stress and social support resources (i.e., perceived social support and support group involvement) following treatment for cancer. The second objective was to examine the relationship between stress and physical activity behavior, and test if social support resources are moderators of this relationship.

METHODS: AYAs (N = 64; mean age = 28.8 years, standard deviation (SD) = 5.5 years; mean time since diagnosis = 2.9, SD = 3.0 years) completed an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using correlation and hierarchical multivariate linear regression analyses.

RESULTS: Stress was negatively related to perceived social support, support group involvement, and physical activity behavior. Support group involvement, but not perceived social support, moderated the association between stress and physical activity behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest establishing support groups, as part of psychosocial rehabilitation services, may help to reduce stress and promote an active lifestyle in AYAs treated for cancer.