Improving Quality of Life in Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Brief Intervention for Patients and Their Partners
Abstract
This study examines the effects of a psychological intervention that encourages emotional expression in ovarian cancer patients and their partners. The specific aims of the study are as follows: (1) to examine the effectiveness of an emotional writing intervention for patients and their partners, (2) to examine mechanisms for the effects of expressive writing, and (3) to identify those individuals who are most likely to benefit from this type of intervention. Ovarian cancer patients (n=130) and their partners were recruited at Chicago area hospitals. Eligibility to participate included the ability to read and write in English, absence of any chronic condition or current or prior history of psychiatric disorder, and having a spouse or partner. Subjects were required to have a partner to maximize the effectiveness of the intervention. Subjects were recruited between 2 months and 5 years after diagnosis, and after completion of active cancer treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation). They and their partners were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. Following Pennebaker's model, subjects in the intervention group were asked to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings regarding their cancer experience for 20 minutes each day for 3 consecutive days. The control group was asked to write about trivial non-emotional topics. Outcome variables, including psychological distress, quality of life, and physical symptoms, were assessed at baseline and over a period of 9 months after the intervention -- at 1 week and at 3, 6, and 9 months. To date, 83 subjects have been enrolled and are at various stages of the data collection process. Data processing, including data entry and verification, is continuing as planned and is current or has been completed for all subjects enrolled in the project. Preliminary data analyses are being conducted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA463008
Entities
People
- Sandra G. Zakowski
Organizations
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science