An ecological systems theory-based examination of social support mechanisms for women diagnosed with breast cancer
JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE, cilt.40, sa.4, ss.1-17, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 40 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/02650533.2026.2741231
- Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Scopus, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Periodicals Index Online, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, Social Sciences Abstracts
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-17
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study examined the social support experiences of women diagnosed with breast cancer within the framework of ecological systems theory. Using a qualitative design and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 women who had completed breast cancer treatment in Türkiye. Findings revealed that social support operates as a dynamic and multilayered system involving spousal, peer, patient group, expert, spiritual, and internal support mechanisms. Support needs evolved throughout the illness trajectory, reflecting interactions across micro-, meso-, exo-, macro-, and chronosystem levels. Participants highlighted the importance of unconditional spousal acceptance, peer understanding, patient support groups, healthcare professionals, spirituality, and personal resilience. The findings underscore the value of holistic, gender-sensitive, and ecological psychosocial interventions in oncology social work practice to enhance adaptation, well-being, and quality of life.