Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy for Cancer Survivors

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia van der Spek ◽  
Irma Verdonck-de Leeuw
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Group Psychotherapy ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Satisfaction Evaluation ◽  
After Cancer

Meaning-focused coping is important in cancer survivorship because it is strongly related to successful adjustment and psychological well-being after cancer diagnosis. This chapter provides background information on meaning-making processes in cancer survivors and describes a four-step adaptation process of meaning-centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors (MCGP-CS). Step 1 was a focus group study on meaning-making issues in Dutch cancer survivors. In step 2, expert meetings on meaning-making in cancer survivorship were conducted. Step 3 comprised the adaptation of the MCGP manual, and step 4 was a pilot study to test the feasibility of the adapted manual. Finally, the results of a randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of MCGP-CS and a client satisfaction evaluation are provided, and some recommendations for future adaptations to implement MDCG-CS in clinical practice are proposed.

Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy for Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
pp. 521-527
Author(s):  
Nadia van der Spek ◽  
Wendy G. Lichtenthal ◽  
Karen Holtmaat ◽  
William S. Breitbart ◽  
Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Group Psychotherapy ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cost Utility ◽  
Dutch Version ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
After Cancer

This chapter gives an overview of the application, content, and scientific evidence of meaning-centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors (MCGP-CS). Experiencing meaning is strongly related to adjustment and psychological well-being after cancer diagnosis and medical treatment for survivors. MCGP-CS is an eight-session group intervention that aims to help survivors enhance or maintain a sense of meaning, in order to improve their psychological well-being and decrease distress. The chapter describes two adaptations of MCGP for survivors: a US version developed specifically for breast cancer survivors and a Dutch version developed for general cancer survivors. This chapter includes summaries of the content of each session and examples of some of the exercises in the manual. Furthermore, it summarizes the results of two conducted pilot studies, a randomized controlled trial, and a cost-utility analysis, all showing positive effects. Finally, future directions for MCGP for cancer survivors are given.

scholarly journals Meaning Making in Cancer Survivors: A Focus Group Study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e76089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia van der Spek ◽  
Joel Vos ◽  
Cornelia F. van Uden-Kraan ◽  
William Breitbart ◽  
Rob A. E. M. Tollenaar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Focus Group Study

scholarly journals Efficacy of meaning-centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (11) ◽  
pp. 1990-2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. van der Spek ◽  
J. Vos ◽  
C. F. van Uden-Kraan ◽  
W. Breitbart ◽  
P. Cuijpers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Group Psychotherapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Meaning ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Mental Adjustment

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of meaning-centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors (MCGP-CS) to improve personal meaning, compared with supportive group psychotherapy (SGP) and care as usual (CAU).MethodA total of 170 cancer survivors were randomly assigned to one of the three study arms: MCGP-CS (n = 57); SGP (n = 56); CAU (n = 57). The primary outcome measure was the Personal Meaning Profile (PMP; total score). Secondary outcome measures were subscales of the PMP, psychological well-being (Scales of Psychological Well-being; SPWB), post-traumatic growth (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory), Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC), optimism (Life Orientation Test-Revised), hopelessness (Beck's Hopelessness Scale), psychological distress (anxiety and depression, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS) and quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire; EORTC QLQ-C30). Outcome measures were assessed before randomization, post-intervention, and after 3 and 6 months of follow-up (FU).ResultsLinear mixed model analyses (intention-to-treat) showed significant differences between MCGP-CS, SGP and CAU on the total PMP score, and on (sub)scales of the PMP, SPWB, MAC and HADS. Post-hoc analyses showed significantly stronger treatment effects of MCGP-CS compared with CAU on personal meaning (d = 0.81), goal-orientedness (d = 1.07), positive relations (d = 0.59), purpose in life (d = 0.69); fighting spirit (d = 0.61) (post-intervention) and helpless/hopeless (d = −0.87) (3 months FU); and distress (d = −0.6) and depression (d = −0.38) (6 months FU). Significantly stronger effects of MCGP-CS compared with SGP were found on personal growth (d = 0.57) (3 months FU) and environmental mastery (d = 0.66) (6 months FU).ConclusionsMCGP-CS is an effective intervention for cancer survivors to improve personal meaning, psychological well-being and mental adjustment to cancer in the short term, and to reduce psychological distress in the long run.

scholarly journals Examining the Acceptability of a Personalized Self-Management Lifestyle Program Using Mobile Technology for Improving the Health and Well-being of Cancer Survivors: A Nested Mixed-Methods Study within a Randomised Controlled Trial (The Moving On Study). (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny M. Groarke ◽  
Janice Richmond ◽  
Jenny McSharry ◽  
AnnMarie Groarke ◽  
Owen Harney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Quantitative Survey ◽  
Constructive Feedback

BACKGROUND A significant proportion of cancer survivors are overweight. However, weight management is not a standard component of oncology aftercare. A lifestyle self-management intervention using mobile health technology (mHealth) and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) was delivered to cancer survivors with a BMI of 25 or over. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the acceptability of the Moving On intervention and gather constructive feedback from those who participated in the intervention. METHODS In the context of a two-arm RCT, semi-structured interviews were carried out to assess retrospective acceptability of the intervention from the perspective of the recipients. The theoretical framework of acceptability of healthcare interventions was used to inform a topic guide. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. A quantitative survey was also used to determine the intervention’s acceptability. A total of 13 participants were interviewed and 36 participants completed the quantitative survey. RESULTS Qualitative and quantitative results suggest strong support for the acceptability of the intervention. Most participants held a positive attitude towards the intervention and enjoyed many of its elements. In particular, the mHealth components were rated positively. In terms of intervention coherence, participants’ understanding of the intervention’s aim was broader than weight management and more focused on ‘moving on’ psychologically from cancer. The intervention was perceived to have high efficacy and low burden. CONCLUSIONS Based on the coherence of responses with theorised aspects of intervention acceptability, we are confident that this intervention using mHealth and BCTs to improve health and wellbeing outcomes is acceptable to cancer survivors. Participants made a number of recommendations concerning additional provision of social support. Future studies are needed to assess the feasibility of delivery in clinical practice, and acceptability of the intervention to those delivering the intervention. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN Registry. Registration number: 18676721 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN18676721 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/13214

Psychological and spiritual well-being of breast cancer survivors in a community-based cancer survivorship clinic.

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e19673-e19673
Author(s):  
K. C. Demel ◽  
B. N. Jahagirdar ◽  
D. M. Anderson ◽  
C. Anderson ◽  
D. J. Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Spiritual Well Being

scholarly journals Renewed: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a digital intervention to support quality of life in cancer survivors

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e024862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adele Krusche ◽  
Katherine Bradbury ◽  
Teresa Corbett ◽  
Jane Barnett ◽  
Beth Stuart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Human Support

IntroductionLow quality of life is common in cancer survivors. Increasing physical activity, improving diet, supporting psychological well-being and weight loss can improve quality of life in several cancers and may limit relapse. The aim of the randomised controlled trial outlined in this protocol is to examine whether a digital intervention (Renewed), with or without human support, can improve quality of life in cancer survivors. Renewed provides support for increasing physical activity, managing difficult emotions, eating a healthier diet and weight management.Methods and analysisA randomised controlled trial is being conducted comparing usual care, access to Renewed or access to Renewed with brief human support. Cancer survivors who have had colorectal, breast or prostate cancer will be identified and invited through general practice searches and mail-outs. Participants are asked to complete baseline measures immediately after screening and will then be randomised to a study group; this is all completed on the Renewed website. The primary outcome is quality of life measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-c30. Secondary outcomes include anxiety and depression, fear of cancer recurrence, general well-being, enablement and items relating to costs for a health economics analysis. Process measures include perceptions of human support, intervention usage and satisfaction, and adherence to behavioural changes. Qualitative process evaluations will be conducted with patients and healthcare staff providing support.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been approved by the NHS Research Ethics Committee (Reference 18/NW/0013). The results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals and through conference presentations.Trial registration numberISRCTN96374224; Pre-results.

scholarly journals Moderators of the effects of meaning-centered group psychotherapy in cancer survivors on personal meaning, psychological well-being, and distress

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 3385-3393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Holtmaat ◽  
Nadia van der Spek ◽  
Birgit I. Witte ◽  
William Breitbart ◽  
Pim Cuijpers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Group Psychotherapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Meaning ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Prevalence and predictors of peripheral neuropathy after chemotherapy: Outcomes from the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivorship (ROCS) cohort.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 12069-12069
Author(s):  
Kalyan Sreeram ◽  
Randell Seaton ◽  
Mandana Kamgar ◽  
Hadeel Assad ◽  
Mark K. Greenwald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Comorbid Condition ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Population ◽  
After Cancer ◽  
First Time

12069 Background: Increased life expectancy for cancer survivors following advances in treatment has led to a greater likelihood of developing long-term complications. Among them is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), which adversely impacts the functional capacity of survivors. We assessed prevalence and predictors of CIPN in a cohort of African-American (AA) cancer survivors. Methods: The study population included 633 breast, colorectal, prostate and lung cancer survivors who received chemotherapy and participated in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivorship (ROCS) study. Presence of CIPN was based on self-reported pain, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, occurring either for the first time or worsening after chemotherapy. If participants reported continued CIPN at the time of survey, their symptoms were reported as persistent. CIPN severity was self-reported as mild, moderate or severe. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate socio-demographic and clinical factors (including 12 common comorbid conditions) associated with CIPN prevalence, persistence and severity. Results: Overall, 67% of the cohort reported CIPN at a mean time of 25.3 months (range 2-74 months) after cancer diagnosis, and 51% reported persistent CIPN. The distribution of CIPN severity consisted of 32.2% with mild, 30.8% with moderate, and 36.9% with moderate to severe symptoms. Diagnosis of primary breast (OR 3.99, 95% CI 1.52-10.46) or colorectal cancers (OR 5.24, 95% CI 2.17-12.69) conferred greater CIPN prevalence relative to a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The presence of each additional comorbid condition among those outlined in the survey also conferred a 20% greater prevalence of CIPN (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.03-1.39). Similar trends were seen among those who reported persistent CIPN. Using age > 65 at diagnosis as the reference group, age < 50 (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.43-4.88) and age 51-64 (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.14-3.35) resulted in an increased risk of moderate or severe compared to mild CIPN. Conclusions: In the Detroit ROCS cohort, CIPN was reported in two-thirds of cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy. Out of them, more than one-third reported moderate to severe symptoms, more commonly seen among those age < 65. Consideration of CIPN as a prominent long-term complication of cancer treatment should play a role in treatment decisions and development of new chemotherapy regimens.

Designing an intervention program for cancer survivors and work.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 23-23
Author(s):  
Dawn Aubel
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported

23 Background: Nearly two-thirds of cancer survivors return to work after their diagnosis, experiencing unique challenges as they strive to maintain health and career goals. Keeping the workforce healthy through innovative solutions is essential for employers and society. The purpose of this study was to describe the needs of cancer survivors who continue to work and to improve a navigation program designed to optimize well-being. The conceptual framework of the Cancer Survivorship and Work Model by Mehnert, de Boer, & Feuerstein (2013) was used to guide program development and outcomes measurement. Methods: Participants included cancer survivors who were employed at a company where a navigation-based program was offered. Two study groups included individuals who used the intervention program and non-users. There were a total of 7 participants in the intervention group and 17 participants in the non-user group. A mixed-methods design was used. Self-efficacy, emotional support, and informational support were evaluated using validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments. Patient satisfaction with the navigator relationship among program users was assessed. Open-ended questions were asked to gain a richer understanding regarding a supportive work intervention. Results: Among participants, there were deficits in self-efficacy and social support. There was no significant difference between groups. There was high satisfaction with the navigator relationship. Qualitative themes included a desire to maintain privacy, and the struggle to integrate health-related needs and high work demands. Conclusions: Population health challenges associated with cancer survivorship should be addressed by relevant interventions and further research. A dedicated work program is appropriate for work success. The navigation design should be further developed and available to employers aiming for a culture of health. Future research should include intervention evaluation using PROs, qualitative inquiry of cancer survivors regarding privacy and work, and applications to other chronic diseases.

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