Demoralization
Conditions
Brief summary
From January 2025 to January 2026, a total of 66 elderly cancer patients with demoralization syndrome who were hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled. Participants were allocated randomly to either a control group (CG, n = 33) or an intervention group (IG, n = 33) utilizing a random number table in combination with the ward-floor allocation method. The CG received routine oncology nursing care, whereas the IG received a one-month, five-dimensional intervention program based on inner strength in addition to standard care. Outcomes were assessed utilizing the Chinese versions of Demoralization Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Inner Strength Scale, and Self-Efficacy Scale.
Interventions
OTHERpsychological support
From January 2025 to January 2026, a total of 66 elderly cancer patients with demoralization syndrome who were hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine at our hospital were enrolled. Participants were allocated randomly to either a control group (CG, n = 33) or an intervention group (IG, n = 33) utilizing a random number table in combination with the ward-floor allocation method. The CG received routine oncology nursing care, whereas the IG received a one-month, five-dimensional intervention program based on inner strength in addition to standard care. Outcomes were assessed utilizing the Chinese versions of Demoralization Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Inner Strength Scale, and Self-Efficacy Scale.
Sponsors
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age ≥ 60 years * Diagnosis of a malignant tumor confirmed by pathological biopsy or imaging, in accordance with the Diagnosis and Treatment Specifications for Malignant Tumors * Fulfillment of the diagnostic criteria for demoralization syndrome, described as a score \> 30 on the Chinese version of the Demoralization Scale (DS) * Clear consciousness, with the capability to communicate effectively or complete questionnaires, and no evidence of cognitive impairment * Voluntary participation with signed informed consent * Expected survival ≥ 3 months, without vital organs' severe dysfunction, including the liver, kidneys, or heart
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of psychiatric disorders, severe cognitive impairment, aphasia, or other conditions that would interfere with participation in the intervention or assessments * Severe complications, cachexia, or rapidly progressing disease * Receipt of psychological interventions or psychotropic medications within the previous month * Transfer to another hospital, withdrawal from the study, or loss to follow-up during the study period * A history of alcohol or drug dependence
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Chinese version of the Disappointment Scale | one month |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| self-rating anxiety scale | one month |
| Depression Self-Rating Scale | one month |
| Chinese Version of the Inner Strength Scale | one month |
| Self-Efficacy Scale | one month |
Countries
China
Outcome results
None listed