Table 4.
Factor analysis of peer support functions for lurkers (n = 113)
| Factor (Cronbach alpha) | Factor loading extracted for each factor | |
| Emotional support/helper therapy (alpha = .786) | ||
| I was encouraged when I was supported by peers | .505 | |
| I began to respond positively to my peers | .547 | |
| I could talk pleasantly with my peers about topics besides breast cancer | .703 | |
| I was encouraged when I could help my peers | .738 | |
| I wanted to be as cheerful as my happier peers | .573 | |
| I wanted to help other patients who were troubled with breast cancer | .814 | |
| I wanted to make others aware of breast cancer | .956 | |
| Emotional expression (alpha = .910) | ||
| I could straightforwardly express my feelings about relationships in my workplace or family | .911 | |
| I could express my feelings about my relationship with my own doctor | .839 | |
| I could straightforwardly talk about my condition | .974 | |
| I could express my feelings after breast cancer diagnosis | .925 | |
| Advice (alpha = .808) | ||
| I received advice about treatment decision making and the side effects of various treatments | .642 | |
| I received advice about day-to-day life with breast cancer, such as a wig and mastectomy bra | .873 | |
| I received advice about relationships with family members or colleagues in my workplace | .671 | |
| I received advice about my relationship with my doctor and about selecting a hospital | .854 | |
| Conflict (alpha = .796) | ||
| I could not express my feelings out of consideration for others | .554 | |
| I was concerned that I might get incorrect information about breast cancer | .619 | |
| I became tired when breast cancer became the only topic of conversation | .747 | |
| I felt discomfort when I was misunderstood by my peers | .767 | |
| I regretted that I learned about a better treatment from peers after finishing my treatment | .460 | |
| I felt burdened by the time and cost of the peer support resource | .652 | |
| I was in trouble when peers recommended I buy some useless products | .735 | |
| Insight/universality (alpha = .822) | ||
| I could help myself recover after I realized that my experience was not unique | .926 | |
| I had more insight about myself after meeting other patients | .627 | |
| I calmed down when I met other patients who had similar experiences to mine | .899 | |