Therapist behaviours in a web-based mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) for chronic cancer-related fatigue – Analyses of e-mail correspondence

Abstract

Web-based mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) has been found effective in decreasing fatigue severity in patients suffering from Chronic Cancer-Related Fatigue (CCRF). In web-based therapy, guidance from a therapist positively affects treatment outcome. So far, less is known about what kind of therapist behaviours contribute to treatment outcome. The present study aimed at 1) identifying therapist behaviours during eMBCT and 2) exploring whether these behaviours were correlated to a decrease in fatigue severity among patients. Qualitative content analyses were performed on 537 feedback e-mails from five therapists sent to 31 patients within a secured portal. Through content analyses, nine therapist behaviours were identified: emphatic utterances, probing self-reflection, informing, psychoeducation, task prompting, paraphrasing, task reinforcement, providing group context and alliance bolstering. Among these behaviours task prompting (19%), paraphrasing (16%) and task reinforcement (15%) were the most common. Linear regression analyses showed a significant association between informing and task prompting on the one hand and a decrease in fatigue severity on the other. Multivariate analysis indicated that informing and task prompting jointly explain the decrease in fatigue. These findings underline the importance for therapists to provide patients with sufficient information and to encourage them to do the exercises.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy in Patients with Breast Cancer with Depression and Anxiety: A Literature Review

“…Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of eMBI on chronic cancer. It gives patients more time and space for mindfulness training (Maas et al, 2020).…”

Efficacy of Online Group Counseling with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Approach to Enhance Students’ Humility

“…Character strengths also help meet the needs of others in the social setting of the individual, in addition to contributing to social behavior (Niemiec et al, 2012). Linley et al (2010) claimed that character strength could improve the academic goals of students. The practical principle of mindfulness identified by (Bishop et al, 2006) is that mindfulness requires self-regulation and attention (self-regulation & attention) and an attitude of curiosity, openness, and acceptance.…”

Online Group Counseling with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive and Solution-Focused Approach for Enhancing Students’ Humility

“…The difference between a counsellor/therapist who performs online-based interventions is that they do not do -teaching‖ or detailed directions such as face-to-face interventions. In particular, clients have the primary responsibility in obtaining theoretical knowledge from reading, watching material on the internet or other sources which are also managed in weekly assignments/weekly modules (Maas et al, 2020) [30].…”

“…Parsons et al, [27] results of research conducted with MBCT and MBSR that about 60% of research subjects complete daily tasks at home to which individuals have substantially committed time to practice consistently, although less than suggested in standard format interventions (Maas et al al.,) [30]. Segal et al, [5] the results of the intervention show positive evidence in treatment outcomes even though the significance is small.…”