Stress management or post-traumatic growth facilitation to diminish distress in cancer survivors? a randomized controlled trial. Issue 6 (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ochoa-Arnedo, Cristian; Casellas-Grau, Anna; Lleras, María; Medina, Joan C.; Vives, Jaume
• Is Part Of: Journal of positive psychology. Volume 16:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 715
• Page End: 725
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Cancer -- psychotherapy -- post-traumatic growth -- post-traumatic stress -- distress; Positive psychology -- Periodicals; Quality of life -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Happiness -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 158
• DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2020.1765005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9760

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) and positive psychotherapy in cancer (PPC) to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and distress, and to promote post-traumatic growth (PTG) in cancer survivors. Participants were 140 adult women randomly allocated to CBSM ( n = 73) or PPC ( n = 67). PTSS, distress, and PTG were assessed at pre- and post-intervention, and at 3- and 12–month follow-ups. Analysis showed PPC was more effective in decreasing PTSS ( b = −7.61, p <.001) and distress ( b = −3.66; p <.001) than CBSM, but neither therapy significantly increased PTG ( b = 0.77, p = .76). The relational veracity of PTG and its role predicting reduced PTSS was observed only in the PPC arm. In conclusion, PPC appears to be a valid therapeutic option for assimilating and accommodating the experience of cancer after treatment completion.