QOL-35. EXPRESSIVE WRITING FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH BRAIN TUMOR: A CASE STUDY. Issue 2 (22nd June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anzeneder, Sofia; Secco, Domitilla Elena; Mastronuzzi, Angela; Colasanti, Anna Rita; Gentile, Simonetta
• Is Part Of: Neuro-oncology. Volume 20:Issue 2(2018)supplement 2
• Page Start: i164
• Page End: i164
• Publication Date: 2018-06-22
• Subjects: Brain Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Brain -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Brain -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99481
• DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy059.617
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-8517

Abstract

Abstract: The study aimed at exploring (1) whether expressive writing (EW) affects well-being of adolescents with brain tumor; (2) whether EW effects are moderated by the time of EW with respect to medical therapy and baseline levels of emotional wellbeing; and (3) what are language mechanisms underlying EW effects. Four of 12 patients with brain tumor aged 11-18 years, contacted at the Rome Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, participated and completed all evaluations prior to, immediately and one month after an intervention composed of four writings one week apart. EW effects were evaluated with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Child Behavior Checklist, and Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences questionnaires. Linguistic analysis of the psycho-physical processes underlying the expressive narration was performed with the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count Program. Descriptive statistics for each case showed (1) amelioration trends in perceived quality of life, internalized symptoms and coping skills in three of four participants; (2) carry-over of these EW benefits in patients out-of-treatment and with higher baseline levels of emotional wellbeing; (3) differentiated patterns of change, across writings, of linguistic variables reflecting biological, cognitive, emotional and social processes. Results suggest that EW may be a feasible and cost-effective way to obtain psycho-physical benefits, though clinically non-relevant, in patients who have advantageous baseline conditions. Mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of EW on emotional states and coping skills seem a progressive balancing of cognitive and social processes and the activation of embodied simulation. Future replication studies with larger cohort of patients are needed.