psychologische distress door de ziekte van de partner mental health psychological distress
Conditions
Interventions
The online psychological intervention is based on behavioural therapy
(Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT)), mindfulness and self-compassion.
There are 6 modules (plus one additional module depe
Sponsors
Universiteit Twente
Eligibility
Age
18 Years to 99 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: - Age >= 18 years - Being partner of an cancer patient (diagnosis is longer than 3 months ago) or cancer survivor* - Having internet access, and having an e-mail address - Being able to speak, write and read Dutch language - Having mild to moderate symptoms of psychological distress (>3 on the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); Zigmond & Snaith, 1983). ;* In case a cancer patient dies during the online intervention, partners are allowed to go on with the intervention if they want to.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: - Severe anxiety (score on HADS-A >= 15) and/or severe depression (score on HADS-D >= 15) - Recently started (less than three months ago)with psychological or psychopharmacological treatment - Not being able to spend 1-1.5 hours on the intervention every week - Partner died because of cancer - If diagnosis is less than 3 months ago
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two versions of the online course *Hold on, for each other* in comparison to a waiting list control condition in terms of a decrease in psychological distress. Psychological distress in partners of cancer patients was chosen as primary outcome because it is important in several ways. Firstly, psychological distress negatively impacts the quality of life of partners of cancer patients themselves (e.g. Northouse et al., 2010; Hilton et al., 2008; Kuijer et al., 2004; Stenberg et al., 2010). Secondly, psychological distress can have a negative impact on the formal care that most partners provide for the cancer patients. Depression, anxiety and fatigue may render the partner unable to provide the support needed, resulting in greater burden on health and social services (Northouse et al., 2010). Thirdly, psychological distress in the partner may have indirect negative effects on the recovery of cancer patients. Partner*s depressed mood can result in emotional inaccessibility, distancing or criticism and may thus negatively affect the emotional support available to the cancer patients, which might inhibit effective management of the illness or hamper psychosocial adjustment of the cancer patient (Northouse et al., 2010; Ussher et al., 2009). | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The secondary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the online course *Hold on, for each other* in comparison to a waiting list control condition in terms of an increase in (positive) mental health, health-related quality of life and general health, and a decrease in depressive symptoms and caregiver burden. Other objectives of this study is are (1) to evaluate if psychological flexibility, self-compassion, mastery, supportive behaviour, posttraumatic growth and resilience are mediators in the effects described in the other objectives; (2) to determine the cost-efficacy of the online intervention *Hold on, for each other* and (3) to obtain insight in possible determinants of the effects of the intervention on psychological distress in partners of cancer patients; potential predictors include socio-demographics (age, gender, education, working situation, family situation), disease-related characteristics of the patients (sort, stage, duration and treatment of cancer) partner*s health (physical and mental health, resilience) and the psychological impact of the partners* role as a caregiver (caregiver strain, communication and posttraumatic growth). | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed