Table 3.
Factor analysis of peer support functions for posters (n = 107)
| Factor (Cronbach alpha) | Factor loading extracted for each factor | |
| Emotional support/helper therapy (alpha = .752) | ||
| I was encouraged when I was supported by peers | .777 | |
| I began to respond positively to my peers | .767 | |
| I could talk pleasantly with my peers about topics besides breast cancer | .732 | |
| I was encouraged when I could help my peers | .644 | |
| I wanted to be as cheerful as my happier peers | .613 | |
| I wanted to help other patients who were troubled with breast cancer | .574 | |
| I wanted to make others aware of breast cancer | .476 | |
| Emotional expression (alpha = .850) | ||
| I could straightforwardly express my feelings about relationships in my workplace or family | .848 | |
| I could express my feelings about my relationship with my own doctor | .819 | |
| I could straightforwardly talk about my condition | .703 | |
| I could express my feelings after breast cancer diagnosis | .518 | |
| Advice (alpha = .739) | ||
| I received advice about treatment decision making and the side effects of various treatments | .725 | |
| I received advice about day-to-day life with breast cancer, such as a wig and mastectomy bra | .672 | |
| I received advice about relationships with family members or colleagues in my workplace | .520 | |
| I received advice about my relationship with my doctor and about selecting a hospital | .505 | |
| Conflict (alpha = .652) | ||
| I could not express my feelings out of consideration for others | .605 | |
| I was concerned that I might get incorrect information about breast cancer | .580 | |
| I became tired when breast cancer became the only topic of conversation | .506 | |
| I felt discomfort when I was misunderstood by my peers | .497 | |
| I regretted that I learned about a better treatment from peers after finishing my treatment | .484 | |
| I felt burdened by the time and cost of the peer support resource | .463 | |
| I was in trouble when peers recommended I buy some useless products | .383 | |
| Insight/universality (alpha = .674) | ||
| I could help myself recover after I realized that my experience was not unique | .688 | |
| I had more insight about myself after meeting other patients | .580 | |
| I calmed down when I met other patients who had similar experiences to mine | .573 | |