Psychological intervention in cancer patients: a randomized study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Cancer diagnosis significantly impacts patients' psychological well-being.
• Localized cancer patients often experience psychological distress requiring effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy of a behavioral intervention on psychological distress in localized cancer patients.
• To assess the impact of Progressive Muscle Relaxation with Guided Imagery on patients' sense of internal control.

Main Methods:

• 116 localized cancer patients were randomized into an intervention (Progressive Muscle Relaxation with Guided Imagery) or control group (3:1 ratio).
• Psychological distress was measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and Impact of Events Scale (IES) at baseline, during, and post-intervention.
• Long-term effects were assessed 6 months after the intervention concluded.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a statistically significant decrease in psychological distress (Global Severity Index: -2.3 points) compared to the control group (increase: 1.2 points, P=.005).
• The behavioral intervention demonstrated a modest but positive effect on reducing psychological distress.
• The intervention aimed to increase patients' sense of internal control, contributing to distress reduction.

Conclusions:

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation with Guided Imagery is a potentially effective behavioral intervention for managing psychological distress in localized cancer patients.
• Screening cancer patients for psychological distress levels before intervention may enhance the meaningfulness and efficiency of such studies.
• Further investigation into tailored behavioral interventions based on initial distress levels is warranted.