Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Oncology
• Psychotherapy

Background:

• Caregivers of advanced cancer patients face significant responsibilities, leading to high risks of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Existential distress, marked by loss of meaning and hopelessness, is a key driver of psychopathology in these caregivers.
• Existing interventions often overlook existential distress, necessitating targeted approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-CC) compared to Supportive Psychotherapy.
• To assess MCP-CC's impact on primary outcomes (personal meaning, spiritual well-being) and secondary outcomes (anxiety, depression, burden).
• To explore mediation by sense of meaning and the intervention's effect on bereavement outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A large, multi-site randomized controlled trial enrolling 200 caregivers of advanced cancer patients.
• Comparison of MCP-CC against Supportive Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers.
• Outcomes assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Pilot data indicated MCP-CC enhanced personal meaning, benefit finding, and spiritual well-being.
• This adequately powered trial aims to definitively establish MCP-CC's efficacy.
• The study will investigate mediators of change and effects on pre- and post-loss bereavement.

Conclusions:

• MCP-CC shows promise in reducing existential suffering for cancer caregivers.
• This robust trial will provide definitive evidence on MCP-CC's effectiveness.
• Findings may inform the development of more comprehensive psychosocial support for caregivers.