Commentary: Integrating research into community-based cancer organizations: A graduate student account anchored into the Affective, Behavioural and Cognitive (ABC) model

Abstract

Successful implementation of psychosocial oncology research initiatives lies in a researcher’s propensity to engage in and reflect on sensitive topics and context-specific approaches to research. This is even more important when documenting people’s experiences with cancer and cancer supportive intervention outcomes. Herein, we propose that successful research initiatives are best guided by the three components of the Affective, Behavioural, and Cognitive – ABC model. This model underscores that people’s emotions (affect), actions (behaviour), and thoughts (cognition), often work independently and together to help make sense of the world around us. This paper highlights how the ABC model can serve to capture best a student’s research experience, while being mentored and involved in the community setting, called Hope & Cope, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This reflection is anchored within the context of studying the dynamic and impact of community-based bereavement programs offered by Hope & Cope. We propose that the ABC model is promising in guiding research-related experiences by attending to personal, interactive, and broader social components.