None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Full ethical approval to proceed with the project has been given by all Institutions described above.
Interventions
In the first of three studies that aim to the efficacy of psychotherapies focused on the expression of emotion, Pennebaker & Beal's (1986) written disclosure methodology will be applied to an individual psychotherapeutic context. In an extension of the Pennebaker & Beal (1986) paradigm; and in accord with recent theoretical developments (i.e., A to D Emotion Theory; Pennebaker & Chung (In-Press)), Participants allocated to the Treatment group will be encouraged to use emotion labels when expres
In the first of three studies that aim to the efficacy of psychotherapies focused on the expression of emotion, Pennebaker & Beal's (1986) written disclosure methodology will be applied to an individual psychotherapeutic context. In an extension of the Pennebaker & Beal (1986) paradigm; and in accord with recent theoretical developments (i.e., A to D Emotion Theory; Pennebaker & Chung (In-Press)), Participants allocated to the Treatment group will be encouraged to use emotion labels when expressing their deepest thoughts and feelings with respect to the following topics: Diagnosis (weeks 1 & 6); Treatment/Waiting for Results (weeks 2 & 7); Living in Remission (weeks 3 & 8); Most Distressing/Traumatic Experience (weeks 4 & 5). Participants randomly allocated to the Treatment group will attend 8 x 1 hour, individual sessions.
Sponsors
The Cancer Centre, The Royal Adelaide Hospital
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 74 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Received a diagnosis of Stage I, or II cancer (solid neoplasm) within the past 12 months. Score more than 4 using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).A minimum of two months must have elapsed since surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Be able to speak fluent English, have no apparent intellectual impairment.Reside within the Adelaide metropolitan area and be able to attend psychotherapy sessions on a weekly basis (for 1 hour) over an 8 week period.
Exclusion criteria
A diagnosis of Heart Disease, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Addisons disease, Cushings Disease or Lupus.Are taking medication that suppresses the immune system, are pregnant or breast feeding.Have an infectious disease such as HIV, HBV, HCV.DSM-IV diagnosis of psychotic disorder.GHQ score less than 4.Are physically unwell at the time of testing, and/or are physically unable to attend trial. Participated in a previous emotion focused psychotherapy trial.
Outcome results
None listed