Journal
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOMATIC RESEARCH
Volume 137, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110215
Keywords
Cancer; Fear of recurrence; Resiliency; Intervention; Mind-body
Categories
Funding
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [T32AT000051, K23AT010157, K24AT009465]
- National Cancer Institute [K24CA197382]
- Harvard Catalyst \ The Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences) [UL1TR002541]
- Harvard University and its affiliated academic healthcare centers
Ask authors/readers for more resources
OBJECTIVE: Interventions for fear of recurrence (FOR) of cancer have nominal effects, perhaps due to limited integration of empirically supported skills. This pilot trial tested the acceptability and feasibility of a multimodal, mind-body resiliency intervention targeting FOR among survivors of various cancers. METHODS: Early stage cancer survivors 3-30 months post-treatment were recruited to participate in an eight-session in-person mind-body resiliency group intervention that taught relaxation skills, cognitive - behavioral techniques, healthy lifestyle behaviors, mindfulness meditation, and positive psychology skills all targeted for FOR. Primary outcomes were feasibility (enrollment rate, session attendance, survey completion, skills practice) and acceptability (enjoyableness, convenience, helpfulness, relevance). Patient-reported outcomes (FOR, uncertainty intolerance, cancer-related uncertainty, perceived stress, resiliency, positive affect, and coping skills) were collected at baseline, post-intervention, +1 month, and +3 months. Exit interviews assessed survivors' reported benefits. RESULTS: Participants (N = 4 groups, 23 survivors, enrollment response rate = 58%) included survivors of seven common cancer types who were on average 12 months post-treatment. Attendance was high (M = 6.1 sessions), and 96% of survivors completed all surveys. Sustained increases in relaxation skills practice 3+ days/week were reported (baseline = 16%, post-intervention = 76%, +3 months = 71%). Most sessions (87%) were rated as highly or very highly acceptable. Moderate-to-large (d = 0.87) improvements in FOR severity were observed post-intervention (p < .01) and across assessments (p < .01), with similar changes observed in other patient-reported outcomes. Exit interviews revealed behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and existential benefits. CONCLUSIONS: The targeted mind-body resiliency intervention shows promising acceptability, feasibility, and favorable changes in FOR and coping skills practice. Further adaptation and testing in a randomized trial are warranted.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available