Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sick Role Adaptation for Patients With Colorectal...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Colorectal cancer affects young and middle-age adults, necessitating interventions for adaptation.
• Psychological distress and maladaptive coping are common challenges in cancer patients.
• Virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral therapy (VR-CBT) offers a novel approach to support cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of VR-CBT on sick role adaptation in colorectal cancer patients.
• To assess VR-CBT's effects on psychological distress, illness perception, and coping strategies.
• To determine the efficacy of VR-CBT among young and middle-age adults with colorectal cancer.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind, parallel-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• 84 adults aged under 60 with colorectal cancer were randomized into VR-CBT or attention control groups.
• Outcomes including sick role adaptation, illness perception, and psychological distress were measured at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The VR-CBT group demonstrated significantly higher sick role adaptation compared to controls.
• Patients receiving VR-CBT reported more positive illness perceptions and reduced anxiety and depression.
• The intervention group adopted more adaptive coping modes post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in enhancing adaptation to cancer.
• VR-CBT positively influences psychological well-being and coping in colorectal cancer patients.
• This therapy shows promise for improving the quality of life for young and middle-age cancer survivors.