Cancer, Caregiver Burden, Coping Skills, Couples, Psychological Distress, Survivorship
Conditions
Keywords
Young Adult Cancer, Cancer Caregiving
Brief summary
The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a brief psychotherapy intervention to improve psychosocial coping and maintain couple relationships among young adults (aged 25-39) with cancer and their caregiving partners.
Detailed description
Young adults (YA) with cancer have unique challenges in coping, and their primary partners may experience burden and low self-efficacy related to caregiving. In this single-arm pilot trial, the investigators shall deliver an eight-session intervention to YAs with cancer and their self-identified partners who provide caregiving. The intervention is founded on principles from cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples-focused interventions, tailored for YA. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, which will inform refinements prior to a larger-scale clinical trial. This study will include 10 YAs and their partner-caregivers (N=20). Participants will complete surveys at baseline and after the intervention, and will be invited to complete optional semi-structured exit interviews.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALYoung Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention
This intervention is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples' therapy. It aims to improve cancer and caregiving-related self-efficacy and coping, as well as promote relationship maintenance in context of cancer. The intervention will be delivered by a trained mental health practitioner and include didactics, experiential exercises, and home practice.
Sponsors
Massachusetts General Hospital
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Single-Arm Pilot Study
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 39 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Either: (1) Currently receiving active cancer treatment (n=5) or are within two years of completing active treatment (n=5) at Massachusetts General Cancer Center (MGHCC), located in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, OR (2) are the partner of an individual between the ages of 25-39 who is currently receiving treatment at MGHCC (n=5) or who has completed cancer treatment at MGHCC within the past two years (n=5) * Either: (1) Indicates a score ≥4 on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) adapted distress thermometer study screening questions, OR (2) are the partner of a participant indicating a score ≥4 on the NCCN adapted distress thermometer study screening questions * English-speaking
Exclusion criteria
• Uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or cognitive impairment
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Feasibility of Intervention | 14 +/- 2 Weeks | Feasibility will be measured by measured by participant rates of enrollment (≥50% of those eligible), participant retention (≥70% of those enrolled), and intervention attendance (≥70% attending at least 6 of 8 sessions). |
| Acceptability of Intervention | 14 +/- 2 Weeks | Acceptability with be measured by satisfaction with the intervention as rated on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. The intervention will be deemed acceptable if ≥75% of participants report average satisfaction that exceeds the CSQ's midpoint. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
Primary ContactJamie M Jacobs, Ph.D.
Backup ContactZeba N Ahmad, Ph.D.
Outcome results
None listed