Test of mindfulness and hope components in a psychological intervention for women with cancer recurrence.

Abstract

Objective Psychological interventions can attenuate distress and enhance coping for those with an initial diagnosis of cancer, but there are few intervention options for individuals with cancer recurrence. To address this gap, we developed and tested a novel treatment combining Mindfulness, Hope Therapy, and biobehavioral components. Method An uncontrolled, repeated measures design was used. Women (N=32) with recurrent breast or gynecologic cancers were provided 20 treatment sessions in individual (n=12) or group formats (n=20). On average, participants were middle aged (M=58) and Caucasian (81%). Independent variables (i.e., hope and mindfulness) and psychological outcomes (i.e., depression, mood, worry, and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder) were assessed pre-treatment and 2-, 4-, and 7-months later. Session-by-session therapy process (positive and negative affect, quality-of-life) and mechanism (use of intervention-specific skills) measures were also included. Results Distress, anxiety, and negative affect decreased, while positive affect and mental health-related quality-of-life increased over the course of treatment, as demonstrated in mixed-effects models with the intent-to-treat sample. Both hope and mindfulness increased, and use of mindfulness skills was related to decreased anxiety. Conclusions This treatment was feasible to deliver and acceptable to patients. The trial serves as preliminary evidence for a multi-component intervention tailored to treat difficulties specific to recurrent cancer. The blending of the components was novel as well as theoretically and practically consistent. A gap in the literature is addressed, providing directions for testing interventions designed for patients coping with the continuing stressors and challenges of cancer recurrence.

Development and pilot testing of a novel behavioral intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes using intervention mapping

“…generating workable routes to important goals) and agency thinking (i.e. generating and maintaining goal-relevant momentum and motivation) (Cheavens, Feldman, Gum, Michael, & Snyder, 2006;Feldman & Dreher, 2012;Thornton et al, 2014). An example of a group activity that is drawn from Hope Therapy is the 'goal maps' activity (Cheavens et al, 2006).…”

Counseling and Spiritual Assistance to Chemotherapy Patients: A Reflection in the Light of Jean Watson's Theory

“…20 Counseling differs from advice and assumes not doing something to the patient, but doing something with the patient. Consisting of science and art, it aims to improve the clinical prowess of therapists, proposing, as in the Watsonian theory, a change in the patterns of unideretional communication, centered in the figure of the therapist.…”

“…21 Qualitative studies in women with relapsed cancer reported a multiplicity of thoughts and feelings related to the physical symptoms of the disease, numerous chemotherapy sessions, past memories and concerns about the future. 35 The practice of Mindfulness in this context presents itself as an effective psychological intervention in improving oncological coping patterns 20 and for relieving suffering in other conditions.…”

“…36 It is capable of reducing the negative effects of stress and anxiety by increasing the positive effects on mental health. 20 Both approaches work by harmonizing with the principle of equanimity in Caritas Consciousness, reducing pain and suffering by applying goodness to oneself and to another.…”

“…-meditation 15,17 -mindfulness 20 -use of transference and countertransference as therapeutic elements in counseling 22 Promoting acceptance of negative and positive feelings: being present to support the manifestation of positive and negative feelings as a means of deep connection with yourself and with individuals for care.…”