Cancer treatment-related distress: evaluating the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions

Shergill, Narinder Kaur (2010). Cancer treatment-related distress: evaluating the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

The literature review is a systematic evaluation and critique of empirical research published since 1990 to evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on distress, symptoms and quality of life specifically in relation to cancer treatment. Thirty-one relevant studies were identified evaluating 38 different interventions. The review included an assessment of the quality of the interventions and study designs of included studies. Interventions were grouped into relaxation, cognitive-behavioural, hypnosis and supportive interventions.

The empirical paper presents a pilot study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychological preparation session on women’s distress prior to and following invasive internal radiotherapy treatment for gynaecological cancers. This brief intervention was found to prevent further deterioration in anxiety and depression prior to treatment. Significantly more patients in the control group were found to experience greater anxiety and depression prior to treatment compared to the intervention group. The limitations of this empirical study, suggestions for future research and clinical implications are also discussed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):