Related Experiment Videos
Self-administered stress management training in patients undergoing radiotherapy
Mindy M Krischer1, Ping Xu, Cathy D Meade
1Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida and the Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
Summary
Stress management training improved quality of life for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, but only those with initially high psychological distress. Further research should target these patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychosocial Oncology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Psychosocial interventions are crucial for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
- Previous single-center studies showed positive effects of stress management on chemotherapy patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a stress management intervention in improving quality of life and reducing psychological distress in radiotherapy patients.
- To replicate findings from prior research in a multi-center setting.
Main Methods:
- 310 patients beginning radiotherapy were randomized to usual care or self-administered stress management training.
- Quality of life was assessed at baseline and for three weeks post-treatment initiation.
Main Results:
- Overall, stress management did not significantly reduce psychological distress compared to usual care.
- Patients with higher baseline distress (SF-36 MCS score ≤ 50) showed significant distress reduction with the intervention.
Conclusions:
- Self-administered stress management is effective for radiotherapy patients with initially high psychological distress.
- Future research should focus on targeted stress management for distressed patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
01:28Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
A social support system is a structured network of personal relationships that provides assistance to individuals facing various challenges, offering a buffer against psychological and physical stressors. This network may consist of family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or other community members who provide resources and companionship. Social support can take many forms, including advice, emotional comfort, practical help, and companionship. Research indicates that these networks can...
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
Regular exercise and meditation serve as essential tools in managing stress and promoting physical and mental well-being.
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the risk...
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the risk...
01:23Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II
Personality types, particularly Type A and Type B, significantly influence how individuals respond to stress. These personality distinctions are marked by varying levels of ambition, competitiveness, and coping styles, all of which shape an individual's resilience to stressors.
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as "workaholics," they...
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as "workaholics," they...
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Stress prevention and management are crucial for maintaining well-being and building resilience. Techniques to manage stress include cultivating qualities like conscientiousness, a sense of personal control, and self-efficacy. Each of these traits significantly reduces stress and promotes healthier lifestyle choices and outcomes.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...