Grateful Strides Toward Physical Activity and Well-Being for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Gratitude Journaling Intervention to Enhance Well-being and Exercise Readiness in Older African American Female Breast Cancer Survivors

This pilot study will assess the feasibility of a gratitude intervention to promote physical activity, and well-being and positively impact biomarkers of health among older African American breast cancer survivors. The intervention will also include a goal-setting component to promote exercise readiness and examine the cultural phenomena of the Superwoman schema among Black women.

In this pilot feasibility study, the overall aims are:

Aim 1. Assess the feasibility and acceptability of a gratitude journaling intervention using a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) design over eight weeks. We hypothesize that among the 28 participants 1) at least 80% of the participants will report the intervention to be acceptable, 2) biomarker collection will be completed in at least 80% of the surveys and the retention rate will be 80% in each group, and 3) physical activity, health markers, gratitude, well-being, and distress will improve over time.

Aim 2. Describe distributions of outcome variables and effect size for the gratitude journaling intervention on dispositional gratitude, spiritual well-being, psychological distress, exercise readiness, mental and health behaviors in African American/Black women (Superwoman Schema), and inflammatory biomarkers from baseline to post-intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-report as AA or Black
• English speaking
• History of BC (Stage I-IV); 3 months to 6 years post-adjuvant chemotherapy
• Participants on hormonal therapies or HER-2 therapy are acceptable

Exclusion Criteria:

• Self-reported regular meditation or gratitude practices (more than once a week for at least a month)
• Meeting the CDC's physical activity guidelines (at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination each week)