None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of Cognitive Existential Couples Therapy for men with early stage prostate cancer and their partners. Research has shown that men with early stage prostate cancer may experience considerable psychological distress in the months following their initial diagnosis. Research has also shown that their partners may also experience distress at the time of the diagnosis which, if left untreated, can lead to subsequent relationship difficulties. Cognitive Existential Couples Therapy has been designed to help couples cope in the aftermath of a prostate cancer diagnosis. It is predicted that couples who receive Cognitive Existential Couples Therapy will experience less psychological distress and show improved quality of relating and more adaptive coping compared to couples who receive medical treatment as usual.
Interventions
Cognitive Existential Couples Therapy consists of 6 weekly 90 minute sessions. Couples are seen together by with a psychologist. The aim of the therapy is tohelp couples adust to the prostate cancer diagnosis and strengthen their relationship. Topics covered include: coping with physical changes/symptoms and changing care needs; effective communication; promoting support between partners; existential considerations; coping strategies; and planning for the future.
Sponsors
Dr Jeremy Couper
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. couples must have been married or living together for at least 12 months 2. one partner must have histologically confirmed early stage prostate cancer 3. the diagnosis of prostate cancer must have been made no more than 12 months prior to the date of recruitment 4. both partners must be able to commit to 6 sessions of Cognitive Existential Couples Therapy 5. both partners must be able to read and write English
Exclusion criteria
1. presence of domestic violence 2. long-standing, intractible relationship difficulties 3. severe substance abuse in either partner 4. severe psychotic illness, dementia or intellectual disability in either partner 5. active suicidal ideation in either partner 6. another type of active cancer in either partner 7. another severely dibilitating or life-threatening illness requiring active treatment in either partner
Outcome results
None listed