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Efficacy of meaning-centered group psychotherapy in Chinese patients with cancer: A randomized controlled trial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 August 2023

Shuman Wang Open the ORCID record for Shuman Wang [Opens in a new window] ,
Yu Zhu ,
Ziying Wang ,
Mimi Zheng ,
Xiaoru Li ,
Yu Zhang  and
Hongwei Wan Open the ORCID record for Hongwei Wan [Opens in a new window]
Shuman Wang
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China
Yu Zhu
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China
Ziying Wang
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China
Mimi Zheng
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China
Xiaoru Li
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China
Yu Zhang
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China
Hongwei Wan*
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital, Shanghai, China
*
Corresponding author: Hongwei Wan; Email: hong_whw@aliyun.com
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Abstract

Objectives

Meaninglessness is one of the most common psychological problems in cancer patients, which can lead to anxiety, depression and psychological distress, and diminished quality of life. Recent evidence indicates that meaning-centered group psychotherapy (MCGP) effectively enhances the meaning in life among cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of MCGP on the meaning in life, post-traumatic growth, psychological distress, and fear of recurrence among Chinese cancer patients with a favorable prognosis.

Methods

Sixty-six cancer patients were randomly assigned to either the MCGP group (n = 33) or the control group (n = 33). Participants in the MCGP group underwent a 4-week, 8-session MCGP, while those in the control group received usual care. Meaning in life, post-traumatic growth, psychological distress, and fear of recurrence were assessed at both baseline and postintervention to evaluate the impact of the intervention. The intervention outcomes were analyzed using paired t-tests or analysis of covariance, as appropriate.

Results

Patients in the MCGP group demonstrated significant improvements in meaning in life, post-traumatic growth, and fear of recurrence from baseline to postintervention. In comparison to the control group, the MCGP group displayed positive effects on meaning in life and post-traumatic growth following the intervention. However, no significant effects were observed in terms of psychological distress and fear of recurrence.

Significance of results

Our research offers evidence supporting the effectiveness of MCGP in enhancing meaning in life and post-traumatic growth among Chinese cancer patients with a favorable prognosis.

Keywords

CancerMeaning-centered group psychotherapyMeaning in lifeRandomized controlled trial
Type
Original Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 21 , Issue 5 , October 2023 , pp. 773 - 781
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Copyright
© Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press.

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