Perceived Benefits and Psychosocial Outcomes of a Brief Existential Family Intervention for Cancer Patients/Survivors

Abstract

This study assessed a range of benefits from participation in a brief existential intervention consisting of a semi-structured videotaped interview with cancer patients and their families designed to illuminate a life legacy for the family (the Life Tape Project [LTP]). Results indicated the majority reported intervention-specific benefits, especially in the areas of symbolic immortality (passing on personal values and philosophy), self-reflection and growth, and improved family cohesion and communication. Participants, particularly those who had perceived their cancer as a threat of death, serious injury, or threat to their physical integrity, and responded with intense fear or helplessness, also reported more general reductions in mood disturbance, improvements in aspects of well-being (including overall quality of life), satisfaction with the understanding they received, and enhanced cancer-related posttraumatic growth. In short, the LTP is a brief, inexpensive, existential intervention that can yield broad positive psychosocial changes for a majority of participants.

Revie ⊕: the influence of a life review intervention including a positive, patient-centered approach towards enhancing the personal dignity of patients with advanced cancer—a study protocol for a feasibility study using a mixed method investigation

“…In light of recommendations by other investigators who have implemented a similar intervention focused on life review [16, 17], the time between T0 and T2 will be limited to a maximum of 1 month. This timeframe takes into account the rate of potential loss of participants due to their lower general health status or as a result of patient death, and the fact that the effects on the sense of dignity, life satisfaction, and posttraumatic growth appear to occur fairly soon after the intervention.…”

“…LRIs in palliative situations have been shown to have positive effects on quality of life [16, 17], spiritual well-being [18], depression [19, 20], and death-related anxiety [21]. The main perceptions of patients are reconsideration and acceptance of the uniqueness of their lives, finding meaning, defining future projects, reconciliation with their past experiences [22], and the satisfaction of leaving a personal legacy [23].…”

Psychometric characteristics of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a Hungarian sample

“…Összefüggést találtak a stresszkeltô eseménnyel való szembesülés után nyújtott terápiás segítség és a poszttraumás növekedés között is (Garlan, Butler, Rosenbaum, Siegel, & Spiegel, 2010). A legtöbb kutatásban a nem professzionális társas támogatás (Widows, Jacobsen, Booth-Jones, & Fields, 2005;Zwahlen és mtsai, 2010) és az önfeltárás (Lev-Wiesel & Amir, 2003;Posta, 2010;Taku, Tedeschi, Cann, & Calhoun, 2009) is növekedést facilitáló tényezônek bizonyult, bár egyes vizsgálatok nem találtak ilyen irányú összefüggést (Cordova, Cunningham, Carlson, & Andrykowsky, 2001).…”

Existential Counseling as a Vehicle to Support Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

“…However, theoretical and empirical research on caregivers’ and family members’ quality of life, including psychological, physical, spiritual, and behavioral adjustment to cancer, remains sparse (Kim & Given, ). In response to the lack of research, Garlan, Butler, Rosenbaum, Siegel, and Spiegel () conducted a study called the Life Tape Project in which they investigated the effectiveness of interviewing terminally ill cancer patients and their families about concerns related to spirituality. Interviews were videotaped, and a copy of the videotape was given to the family to facilitate dialogue on existential concerns and wishes for family members who were terminally ill (Garlan et al, ).…”

“…In response to the lack of research, Garlan, Butler, Rosenbaum, Siegel, and Spiegel () conducted a study called the Life Tape Project in which they investigated the effectiveness of interviewing terminally ill cancer patients and their families about concerns related to spirituality. Interviews were videotaped, and a copy of the videotape was given to the family to facilitate dialogue on existential concerns and wishes for family members who were terminally ill (Garlan et al, ). Results indicated strong support for the life tape intervention, especially in the areas of symbolic immortality (passing on personal values and philosophy), self‐reflection and growth, improved family cohesion and communication, and an overall improvement in well‐being.…”