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Kroemeke A, Dudek J, Kijowska M, Owen R, Sobczyk-Kruszelnicka M. The effect of an online acceptance and commitment intervention on the meaning-making process in cancer patients following hematopoietic cell transplantation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial enhanced with single-case experimental design. Trials 2024; 25:392. [PMID: 38890709 PMCID: PMC11186126 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08235-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a highly invasive and life-threatening treatment for hematological neoplasms and some types of cancer that can challenge the patient's meaning structures. Restoring meaning (i.e., building more flexible and significant explanations of the disease and treatment burden) can be aided by strengthening psychological flexibility by means of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention. Thus, this trial aims to examine the effect of the ACT intervention on the meaning-making process and the underlying mechanisms of change in patients following HCT compared to a minimally enhanced usual care (mEUC) control group. The trial will be enhanced with a single-case experimental design (SCED), where ACT interventions will be compared between individuals with various pre-intervention intervals. METHODS In total, 192 patients who qualify for the first autologous or allogeneic HCT will be recruited for a two-armed parallel randomized controlled trial comparing an online self-help 14-day ACT training to education sessions (recommendations following HCT). In both conditions, participants will receive once a day a short survey and intervention proposal (about 5-10 min a day) in the outpatient period. Double-blinded assessment will be conducted at baseline, during the intervention, immediately, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. In addition, 6-9 participants will be invited to SCED and randomly assigned to pre-intervention measurement length (1-3 weeks) before completing ACT intervention, followed by 7-day observations at the 2nd and 3rd post-intervention measure. The primary outcome is meaning-related distress. Secondary outcomes include psychological flexibility, meaning-making coping, meanings made, and well-being as well as global and situational meaning. DISCUSSION This trial represents the first study that integrates the ACT and meaning-making frameworks to reduce meaning-related distress, stimulate the meaning-making process, and enhance the well-being of HCT recipients. Testing of an intervention to address existential concerns unique to patients undergoing HCT will be reinforced by a statistically rigorous idiographic approach to see what works for whom and when. Since access to interventions in the HCT population is limited, the web-based ACT self-help program could potentially fill this gap. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06266182. Registered on February 20, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Kroemeke
- Institute of Psychology, Health & Coping Research Group, SWPS University, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Joanna Dudek
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Kijowska
- Institute of Psychology, Health & Coping Research Group, SWPS University, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Małgorzata Sobczyk-Kruszelnicka
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Oncohematology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
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2
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McCready DM, Arem H, Duarte DA, Dennis K, Ball N, Cafferty LA, Hinds PS, Howlader A, Berg CJ. A digital, coach-assisted intervention to address the psychosocial needs of young adult cancer survivors: Randomized controlled trial protocol and intervention adaptation process. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 141:107545. [PMID: 38657732 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the increasing number of young adult cancer survivors and the impacts of cancer on various life domains, interventions addressing the psychosocial needs of young adult survivors are crucial. However, such intervention research is limited, and the existing literature has often: 1) overlooked young adult survivors' psychosocial needs; 2) targeted depression, anxiety, or fear of recurrence - rather than positive outcomes like well-being; and 3) failed to consider scalable approaches, like digital health. METHODS This paper documents the development and refinement of an 8-week digital, coach-assisted intervention targeting hope among young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39, within 3 years of treatment completion) and presents the protocol of the 2-arm RCT (comparing intervention vs. attention control). The intervention builds upon a 2017-2018 pilot trial (n = 56); intervention refinements were based on subsequent semi-structured interviews among young adult survivors (n = 23). RESULTS The pending trial design involves an increased sample size (n = 150) to increase power and diversified recruitment efforts (i.e., clinic-based, social media, community-based organizations, etc.) to facilitate intervention reach, accessibility, and scalability. The intervention was enhanced by integrating highly relevant theoretical and therapeutic frameworks, specifically the concept of hope and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as updating intervention delivery technology. Intervention outcomes include feasibility and acceptability at end-of-treatment and preliminary efficacy on hope (primary outcome) and quality of life measures (secondary outcomes) at end-of-treatment and 16-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This paper may facilitate discussion regarding approaches for addressing the significant psychosocial challenges faced by young adult survivors and catalyze dissemination of trial results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05905250.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcey M McCready
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, USA
| | - Hannah Arem
- Healthcare Delivery Research, MedStar Health Research Institute, USA; Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, USA
| | - Danielle A Duarte
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, USA
| | - Kyla Dennis
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, USA
| | - Nathan Ball
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, USA
| | - Lauren A Cafferty
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, USA
| | - Pamela S Hinds
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Children's National Hospital, USA; GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, USA
| | - Afrah Howlader
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, USA
| | - Carla J Berg
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, USA; GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, USA.
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Sutin AR, Cajuste S, Stephan Y, Luchetti M, Kekäläinen T, Terracciano A. Purpose in life and slow walking speed: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. GeroScience 2024; 46:3377-3386. [PMID: 38270808 PMCID: PMC11009186 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01073-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The present research examines the association between purpose in life - a component of well-being defined as the feeling that one's life is goal-oriented and has direction - and slow walking speed and the risk of developing slow walking speed over time. Participants (N = 18,825) were from three established longitudinal studies of older adults. At baseline, participants reported on their purpose in life, and interviewers measured their usual walking speed. Walking speed was measured at annual or biannual follow-up waves up to 16 years later. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to summarize the estimates from the individual studies. Every standard deviation higher in purpose in life (as a continuous measure) was associated with a lower likelihood of cross-sectional slow walking speed at baseline (meta-analytic OR = .80, 95% CI = .77-.83). Among participants who did not have slow walking speed at baseline (n = 8,448), every standard deviation higher purpose in life was associated with a lower likelihood of developing slow walking speed over the up to 16 years of follow-up (meta-analytic HR = .93, 95% CI = .89-.96). Physical activity and disease burden accounted for 25% and 14% of the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations, respectively. The associations were independent of age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education and not moderated by these factors. Higher purpose in life is associated with a lower risk of slow walking speed and a lower risk of developing slow walking speed over time. Purpose in life is a psychological resource that may help to support aspects of physical function, such as walking speed, and may help support better function with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina R Sutin
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
| | - Sabrina Cajuste
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | | | - Martina Luchetti
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Tiia Kekäläinen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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La IS, Johantgen M, Storr CL, Zhu S, Cagle JG, Ross A. Spirituality moderates the relationship between cancer caregiver burden and depression. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:470-481. [PMID: 38131143 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cancer has become a chronic disease that requires a considerable amount of informal caregiving, often quite burdensome to family caregivers. However, the influence of spirituality on the caregivers' burden and mental health outcomes has been understudied. This study was to examine how caregiver burden, spirituality, and depression change during cancer treatment and investigate the moderating role of spirituality in the relationship between caregiver burden and depression for a sample of caregivers of persons with cancer. METHODS This secondary analysis used a longitudinal design employing 3 waves of data collection (at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months). Family caregivers completed the Caregiver Reaction Assessment, Spiritual Perspective Scale, and the PROMIS® depression measure. Linear mixed model analyses were used, controlling for pertinent covariates. RESULTS Spirituality, total caregiver burden, and depression remained stable over 6 months. More than 30% of the caregivers had mild to severe depressive symptoms at 3 time points. There was evidence of overall burden influencing depression. Of note was a protective effect of caregivers' spirituality on the relationship between depression and caregiver burden over time (b = -1.35, p = .015). The lower the spirituality, the stronger the relationship between depression and burden, especially regarding subscales of schedule burden, financial burden, and lack of family support. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Spirituality was a significant resource for coping with caregiving challenges. This study suggests that comprehensive screening and spiritual care for cancer caregivers may improve their cancer caregiving experience and possibly influence the care recipients' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Seo La
- College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Meg Johantgen
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carla L Storr
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shijun Zhu
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John G Cagle
- University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alyson Ross
- Wisdom of the Whole Coaching Academy, Asheville, NC, USA
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Mroz EL, Collette T, Keefe K, Gil H, Monin J, Sharma S. Trajectories of Purpose in Life Across Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementias in Older Adulthood. J Aging Health 2024:8982643241257559. [PMID: 38816276 DOI: 10.1177/08982643241257559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: Sense of purpose serves as a psychological resource for late-life health. Limited research has examined how purpose changes across chronic illness diagnoses, including a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).Method: This study leverages data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS; N = 831) to establish trajectories of purpose across ADRD diagnosis using three-year (pre-diagnosis, year of diagnosis, post-diagnosis) timespans and two comparison groups (heart disease diagnosis, no diagnosis). Results: We observed a longitudinal decrease in purpose in the ADRD diagnosis group, t = 3.85, p = .003, d = -0.258. This contrasts with heart disease diagnosis and no diagnosis groups, where purpose did not change over time. Discussion: Older adults who receive an ADRD diagnosis may be vulnerable to a decreasing sense of purpose across their diagnosis experience. We consider social, psychological, and clinical antecedents for this trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Mroz
- Section of Geriatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tyler Collette
- Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Kate Keefe
- Live Well Institute, Southington, CT, USA
| | - Heidi Gil
- Live Well Institute, Southington, CT, USA
| | - Joan Monin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shubam Sharma
- Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
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Arem H, Duarte DA, White B, Vinson K, Hinds P, Ball N, Dennis K, McCready DM, Cafferty LA, Berg CJ. Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Perspectives on Cancer's Impact on Different Life Areas Post-Treatment: A Qualitative Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38695773 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2024.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Young adult cancer survivors experience disruptions in various life domains (e.g., relationships, academic/career) during and after treatment. This study examined life disruptions and related supports to update interventions to improve psychological outcomes. Methods: In April-July 2023, young adult survivors (n = 23) were recruited (via clinics, support groups, nonprofit organizations, etc.) to complete semi-structured interviews assessing cancer's impact across life domains, how they coped with related disruptions, and facilitators to improved psychosocial well-being. We used a dual deductive-inductive approach to develop a codebook and then coded transcripts in Dedoose. Results: This sample was on average 33.7 years old (standard deviation [SD] = 4.4), 78.3% female, 73.9% non-Hispanic White, 47.8% married/cohabitating, 2.4 (SD = 1.0) years post-diagnosis, 1.4 years (SD = 0.9) post-treatment, and largely diagnosed with breast cancer (52.1%) or leukemia/lymphoma (34.7%). The most salient themes related to disruptions included mental health, feelings of isolation during survivorship, and disruptions to career and relationships with family or partners. Participants reported challenges navigating these feelings and disruptions, and difficulty understanding and conveying their needs. Many experienced limited support for navigating cancer-related trauma and life disruptions as a survivor. Participants also reported some positive impacts, like reevaluating their values and goals or feeling resilient, and emphasized the need to identify supports, accept that life had changed because of cancer, and have their needs and continued struggles validated by others during survivorship. Conclusions: Young adults experience ongoing disruptions across multiple life domains, underscoring the need for integrated, longer-term psychosocial supports to help them navigate these disruptions and reevaluate their goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Arem
- Healthcare Delivery Research, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Danielle A Duarte
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Benjamin White
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Katie Vinson
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Pamela Hinds
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nathan Ball
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kyla Dennis
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Darcey M McCready
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Lauren A Cafferty
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Carla J Berg
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Collins MKR, Lazard AJ, Dillman Carpentier F, Comello ML, Benedict C, Kent EE, Yu C. Reel reflections: the role of entertainment media narratives in coping among young adult cancer survivors. J Psychosoc Oncol 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38661002 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2024.2337043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young adult cancer survivors (YACS; ages 18-39) report a significant psychological burden. Entertainment media narratives (e.g., books, movies, shows that are produced for mass consumption) might be an effective tool for reducing this distress, although little is known about present use among YACS. METHOD YACS completed a survey about their use of entertainment media narratives to cope with cancer using an adapted version of the Brief COPE. Additionally, YACS reported their use of entertainment media narratives to start conversations about their experience with others, and they described features of entertainment media narratives that they found helpful in coping. RESULTS We recruited 108 YACS from three recruitment sites. Most participants were White (n = 65), female (n = 54), and recruited from Prolific (n = 56), an Internet-based, crowdsourced data collection platform. Participants were, on average, 30 years old and 45 months from the completion of their primary cancer treatment. YACS who used entertainment media to cope with cancer (n = 32; 29.6%) were significantly younger and significantly closer to the end of their primary treatment. Compared to nonusers, users of entertainment media narratives to cope were also more likely to identify as Black; identifying as Black was associated with a 2.05-factor increase in using narrative entertainment media to cope with cancer even when controlling for other demographic differences. Additionally, compared to their peers, Black YACS reported greater use of narratives to start cancer-related conversations. Emotional and inspirational storylines were the most helpful story features. DISCUSSION Some YACS, especially Black YACS, use stories to cope with their cancer experience. YACS patients could find stories useful in exploring their cancer-related emotions, although the exact benefits are still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith K Reffner Collins
- Section of Pediatric Population Science, Outcomes, and Disparities Research, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Maria Leonora Comello
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Catherine Benedict
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erin E Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Clara Yu
- Section of Pediatric Population Science, Outcomes, and Disparities Research, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Jankowski PJ, Sandage SJ, Wang DC, Zyphur MJ, Crabtree SA, Choe EJ. Longitudinal processes among humility, social justice activism, transcendence, and well-being. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1332640. [PMID: 38524294 PMCID: PMC10959100 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1332640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Existing research shows positive associations between humility and well-being, and between civic engagement and well-being. Rarely have humility, civic engagement, and well-being been examined together. We build off of previous cross-sectional findings and a prior longitudinal study that used three waves of data and found significant positive bivariate correlations between humility and the presence of life purpose across time points. Methods Extending these previous findings, we used six waves of data obtained from graduate students at 18 seminaries across North America (N = 574; Mage = 31.54; 46.7% female; 65.3% White) to explore the dynamic associations among humility and life purpose, along with horizontal transcendence (an indicator of the attitudinal dimension of civic engagement) and social justice activism (an indicator for the behavioral dimension). We explored reciprocal short-run processes and dynamic long-run effects using a general cross-lagged panel model. Results and discussion We found robust evidence for a reciprocal influence between the presence of life purpose and horizontal transcendence, and long-run effects for initial levels of life purpose to influence later levels of horizontal transcendence. We also found long-run effects for the influence of initial levels of life purpose on later levels of humility, and initial levels of social justice activism on later levels of horizontal transcendence. Implications center on the use of the findings for planning future one-time life purpose and social justice interventions to affect changes in humility and horizontal transcendence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Jankowski
- Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Bethel University, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Steven J. Sandage
- Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David C. Wang
- Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Michael J. Zyphur
- UQ Business School, Faculty of Business, Economics, & Law, University of Queensland, St. Lucia-Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Crabtree
- Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elise J. Choe
- Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. Purpose in life and cognitive performance and informant ratings of cognitive decline, affect, and activities. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2024; 30:244-252. [PMID: 37609873 PMCID: PMC10884354 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617723000516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine (1) the association between purpose in life and multiple domains of cognitive function and informant-rated cognitive decline, affect, and activities; (2) whether these associations are moderated by sociodemographic factors, cognitive impairment, or depression; (3) whether the associations are independent of other aspects of well-being and depressive symptoms. METHOD As part of the 2016 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol from the Health and Retirement Study, participants completed a battery of cognitive tests and nominated a knowledgeable informant to rate their cognitive decline, affect, and activities. Participants with information available on their purpose in life from the 2014/2016 Leave Behind Questionnaire were included in the analytic sample (N = 2,812). RESULTS Purpose in life was associated with better performance in every cognitive domain examined (episodic memory, speed-attention, visuospatial skills, language, numeric reasoning; median β =.10, p <.001; median d =.53). Purpose was likewise associated with informant-rated cognitive decline and informant-rated affective and activity profiles beneficial for cognitive health (median β =.18, p < .001; median d =.55). There was little evidence of moderation by sociodemographic or other factors (e.g., depression). Life satisfaction, optimism, positive affect, and mastery were generally associated with cognition. When tested simultaneously with each other and depressive symptoms, most dimensions were reduced to non-significance; purpose remained a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS Purpose in life is associated with better performance across numerous domains of cognition and with emotional and behavioral patterns beneficial for cognitive health that are observable by knowledgeable others. These associations largely generalize across demographic and clinical groups and are independent of other aspects of well-being.
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Thomas C, Kulikowksi JD, Breitbart W, Alici Y, Bruera E, Blackler L, Sulmasy DP. Existential suffering as an indication for palliative sedation: Identifying and addressing challenges. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-4. [PMID: 38419195 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Columba Thomas
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Julia D Kulikowksi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Breitbart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yesne Alici
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liz Blackler
- Ethics Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel P Sulmasy
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Philosophy and the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Gamaldo AA, Mogle J, Lovett HH, Brown J, Sliwinski MJ, Terracciano A. Purpose in Life and Cognitive Function: Evidence for Momentary Associations in Daily Life. Innov Aging 2024; 8:igae018. [PMID: 38511204 PMCID: PMC10953619 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Purpose in life is associated with healthier cognitive outcomes in older adulthood. This research examines within-person dynamics between momentary purpose and cognitive function to provide proof of concept that increases in purpose are associated with better cognitive performance. Research Design and Methods Participants (N = 303; 54% female; Mage = 51.71, SD = 7.32) completed smartphone-based momentary assessments of purpose and short cognitive tasks 3 times a day for 8 days. Results In moments when participants felt more purpose driven than their average, they had faster processing speed (b = -1.240, SE = 0.194; p < .001), independent of person, temporal, and contextual factors and practice effects. Momentary purpose was unrelated to visual working memory performance (b = -0.001, SE = 0.001; p = .475). In contrast to purpose, momentary hedonic affect (e.g., happiness) was unrelated to momentary cognition. Discussion and Implications Feeling more momentary purpose may support faster processing speed in daily life. Such evidence provides stage 0 support for a purpose-based intervention for healthier cognition, which may be particularly useful in middle adulthood and the transition to older adulthood before the onset of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina R Sutin
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Martina Luchetti
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Alyssa A Gamaldo
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jacqueline Mogle
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Hephzibah H Lovett
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Justin Brown
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Martin J Sliwinski
- Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Antonio Terracciano
- Department of Geriatrics, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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Krok D, Telka E, Kocur D. Perceived and Received Social Support and Illness Acceptance Among Breast Cancer Patients: The Serial Mediation of Meaning-Making and Fear of Recurrence. Ann Behav Med 2024; 58:147-155. [PMID: 38134347 PMCID: PMC10858304 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaad067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The literature indicates connections between social support and acceptance of a personal diagnosis of breast cancer, but these relationships are likely to be mediated due to numerous connections between social support and illness acceptance with meaning-making and fear of recurrence. We decided to investigate whether meaning-making and fear of recurrence serially mediated the relationship between perceived and received social support and illness acceptance. METHODS The current research examined 246 adult women patients with a breast cancer diagnosis who were undergoing radiotherapy/chemotherapy treatment in oncological hospitals. This cross-sectional study based on a mediational model was reported according to the STROBE checklist. RESULTS Our results supported the mediational model in which meaning-making and fear of recurrence serially mediated the relationship of both perceived and received social support with illness acceptance. Furthermore, the mediating power of meaning-making was more significant than the fear of recurrence. CONCLUSION Meaning structures and anxiety played an important mediating role in breast cancer patients. Finding additional meaning and goals and experiencing lower fear enables the patients to effectively make use of social support and accept their illness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The current study identified factors that increase illness acceptance among breast cancer patients as it showed that patients can gain a greater understanding of the nature of their illness by becoming more aware of their own goals and values and reduce anxiety by learning about their current state of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Krok
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Opole University, Opole, Poland
| | - Ewa Telka
- Department of Radiotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Dagna Kocur
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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13
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Canada B, Terracciano A. Purpose in Life and Risk of Falls: A Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional and Prospective Associations. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2024; 10:23337214241236039. [PMID: 38455641 PMCID: PMC10919135 DOI: 10.1177/23337214241236039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Purpose in life is an aspect of well-being that is associated with better health outcomes in older adulthood. We examine the association between purpose in life and likelihood of a recent fall and risk of an incident fall over time. Methods: Purpose in life and falls were reported concurrently and falls were reported again up to 16 years later in four established longitudinal studies of older adults (total N = 25,418). Results: A random-effects meta-analysis of the four samples indicated that purpose was associated with a 14% lower likelihood of having fallen recently at baseline (meta-analytic OR = 0.88, 95% CI [0.84-0.92]). Among participants who reported no falls at baseline (N = 15,632), purpose was associated with a nearly 10% lower risk of an incident fall over the up to 16-year follow-up (meta-analytic HR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.90-0.94]). These associations were independent of age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education, were not moderated by these factors, and persisted controlling for physical activity and disease burden. Conclusion and Recommendations: Purpose in life is a meaningful aspect of well-being that may be useful to identify individuals at risk for falling, particularly among individuals without traditional risk factors, and be a target of intervention to reduce fall risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Luchetti
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Yannick Stephan
- Euromov, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, Occitanie, France
| | - Brice Canada
- University of Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
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14
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. Meaning in life and Parkinson's disease in the UK Biobank. Clin Park Relat Disord 2023; 10:100231. [PMID: 38234675 PMCID: PMC10792733 DOI: 10.1016/j.prdoa.2023.100231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Meaning in life is an aspect of eudaimonic well-being associated with lower dementia risk. This research examines whether this protective association extends to Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods Participants (N = 153,569) from the UK Biobank reported on their meaning in life. Cases of PD were identified through health records. Results Meaning in life was associated with a 50 % lower likelihood of prevalent PD (OR = 0.68, 95 % CI = 0.59-0.78). Over the 5-year follow-up, meaning was associated with a 35 % lower risk of incident PD (HR = 0.74, 95 % CI = 0.65-0.83), an association robust to sociodemographic characteristics, depression, history of seeking mental health care, smoking, physical activity, and genetic risk and not moderated by age, sex, education, deprivation, or genetic risk. Conclusions Meaning in life is associated with lower risk of incident PD, an association independent of other major risk factors and generalizable across sociodemographic groups. Meaning is a promising target of intervention for common neurodegenerative diseases.
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15
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Faviana P, Boldrini L, Gronchi L, Galli L, Erba P, Gentile C, Lippolis PV, Marchetti E, Di Stefano I, Sammarco E, Chapman AD, Bardi M. Steroid Hormones as Modulators of Emotional Regulation in Male Urogenital Cancers. Int J Behav Med 2023; 30:836-848. [PMID: 36459332 PMCID: PMC10713796 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10139-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumors develop within an organism operating in a specific social and physical environment. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), two of the most abundant steroid hormones in humans, are involved in both emotional regulation and the tumor progression. Several studies reported preclinical findings that DHEA can have preventive and therapeutic efficacy in treating major age-associated diseases, including cancer, although the mechanisms of action are not yet defined. The main aim of current study was to investigate the relationship between psychological and physiological emotional regulation and cancer development. METHOD This study assessed the quality of life of urogenital cancer male patients using several validated tools, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General and the Profile of Mood States. Saliva samples were collected to monitor peripheral activity of both cortisol and DHEA. It was hypothesized that patients with a better quality of life would have higher levels of the DHEA/cortisol ratios. RESULTS We found that the quality of life was positively related to DHEA, but not cortisol levels. Negative mood increases were related to lower levels of DHEA. Logistic regression of the predictors of metastases indicated three main independent factors involved: DHEA, age, and cortisol. In other words, the higher the DHEA levels in comparison to cortisol levels, controlling for age, the lower the probability of metastases. CONCLUSION Our results appear to support the hypothesis that emotional dysregulation mediated by DHEA/cortisol activity is a key factor in the probability of metastasis in urogenital cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinuccia Faviana
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 57, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Laura Boldrini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 57, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lisa Gronchi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 57, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Galli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 57, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Erba
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 57, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Gentile
- Istituto Europeo Di Oncologia, Via Ripamonti 435, I-20132, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elio Marchetti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 57, Pisa, Italy
| | - Iosè Di Stefano
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 57, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Sammarco
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 57, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alex D Chapman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, 23005, USA
| | - Massimo Bardi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, 23005, USA
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16
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Fisher HM, Check DK, Somers TJ, Kelleher SA, Majestic C, Yu JA, Reed SD, Li Y, Olsen MK, Lerebours R, Keefe FJ, Steinhauser KE, Breitbart WS, Winger JG. Meaning-centered pain coping skills training for patients with metastatic cancer: Protocol for a randomized controlled efficacy trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 135:107363. [PMID: 37884120 PMCID: PMC10842087 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with advanced cancer describe pain as a debilitating symptom that greatly interferes with daily activities and enjoyment of life. Psychosocial interventions can improve cancer-related pain but rarely address spiritual concerns (e.g., loss of meaning, peace), which can influence the pain experience for those facing life-threatening illness. To address these needs, we systematically developed and pilot tested a novel psychosocial intervention called Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training (MCPC). In this randomized controlled trial, we aim to determine MCPC's efficacy for reducing pain interference (primary outcome) and improving secondary outcomes. We will also estimate MCPC's cost-effectiveness. METHOD/DESIGN Patients (target N = 210) with advanced solid tumor malignancies (Stage IV) and clinically-elevated pain interference will be enrolled and block randomized with equal allocation to MCPC + enhanced usual care or enhanced usual care alone. MCPC's four, videoconferenced, 45-60 min weekly sessions will be individually delivered by trained study therapists. Primary (pain interference) and secondary (pain severity, anxiety and depressive symptoms, pain self-efficacy, social support, spiritual well-being) patient-reported outcomes will be assessed at baseline, and 8-weeks (primary endpoint) and 12-weeks after baseline. CONCLUSION Our MCPC intervention is the first to systematically address the biopsychosocial-spiritual aspects of pain in patients with advanced cancer. If MCPC demonstrates efficacy, next steps will involve hybrid efficacy-effectiveness and implementation work to broaden access to this brief, manualized, remotely-delivered intervention, with the goal of reducing suffering in patients with life-threatening illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Fisher
- Pain Prevention and Treatment Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Devon K Check
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tamara J Somers
- Pain Prevention and Treatment Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sarah A Kelleher
- Pain Prevention and Treatment Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Catherine Majestic
- Pain Prevention and Treatment Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Justin A Yu
- Division of Pediatric Palliative and Supportive Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shelby D Reed
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Yanhong Li
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Maren K Olsen
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Reginald Lerebours
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Francis J Keefe
- Pain Prevention and Treatment Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karen E Steinhauser
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA; Center for the Study of Human Aging and Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - William S Breitbart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph G Winger
- Pain Prevention and Treatment Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA.
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Gnall KE, Sacco SJ, Park CL, Mazure CM, Hoff RA. Life meaning and mental health in post-9/11 veterans: the mediating role of perceived stress. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2023; 36:743-756. [PMID: 36542555 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2154341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Post-9/11 veterans frequently experience diminished mental health following military service. Life meaning is related to better mental health in veterans, yet its mechanism of action is unknown. A meaning-making model suggests that life meaning can reduce perceived stress, thus enhancing mental health. The present study tested this meaning-making model by predicting multiple dimensions of mental health (i.e., symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, insomnia, and depression, and mental health quality of life) from life meaning as mediated by perceived stress. DESIGN AND METHODS The present study was a secondary analysis of a 12-month observational study of 367 post-9/11 veterans. Participants completed demographic and health surveys at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. A multivariate mediation model was created predicting changes in dimensions of mental health from 6 months to 12 months. RESULTS Higher life meaning at baseline predicted changes in all dimensions of mental health between 6 and 12 months, an effect mediated by changes in perceived stress between baseline and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Across dimensions of mental health, the meaning-making model was supported. Understanding post-9/11 veteran mental health from this theoretical perspective may help better tailor healthcare efforts and enhance veteran health overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Gnall
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Shane J Sacco
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Carolyn M Mazure
- Department of Psychiatry, Women's Health Research at YaleYale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rani A Hoff
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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Salsman JM, McLouth LE, Tooze JA, Little-Greene D, Cohn M, Kehoe MS, Moskowitz JT. An eHealth, Positive Emotion Skills Intervention for Enhancing Psychological Well-Being in Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Results from a Multi-Site, Pilot Feasibility Trial. Int J Behav Med 2023; 30:639-650. [PMID: 36890329 PMCID: PMC10485177 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adult (YA) cancer survivors experience clinically significant distress and have limited access to psychosocial support. Given growing evidence for unique adaptive benefits of positive emotion in the context of health-related and other life stress, we developed an eHealth positive emotion skills intervention for post-treatment survivors called EMPOWER (Enhancing Management of Psychological Outcomes With Emotion Regulation) and evaluated feasibility and proof of concept for reducing distress and enhancing well-being. METHOD In this single-arm pilot feasibility trial, post-treatment YA cancer survivors (ages 18-39) participated in the EMPOWER intervention which included 8 skills (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness, acts of kindness). Participants completed surveys at baseline (pre-intervention), 8 weeks (post-intervention), and 12 weeks (1-month follow-up). Primary outcomes included feasibility (assessed by participation percentage) and acceptability (would recommend EMPOWER skills to a friend). Secondary outcomes included psychological well-being (mental health, positive affect, life satisfaction, meaning/purpose, general self-efficacy) and distress (depression, anxiety, anger). RESULTS We assessed 220 YAs for eligibility; 77% declined. Of those screened, 44 (88%) were eligible and consented, 33 began the intervention, and 26 (79%) completed the intervention. Overall retention was 61% at 12 weeks. Average acceptability ratings were high (8.8/10). Participants (M = 30.8 years, SD = 6.6) were 77% women, 18% racial/ethnic minorities, and 34% breast cancer survivors. At 12 weeks, EMPOWER was associated with improved mental health, positive affect, life satisfaction, meaning/purpose, and general self-efficacy (ps < .05, ds = .45 to .63) and decreased anger (p < .05, d = - 0.41). CONCLUSION EMPOWER demonstrated evidence of feasibility and acceptability as well as proof of concept for enhancing well-being and reducing distress. Self-guided, eHealth interventions show promise for addressing YA cancer survivors' needs and warrant additional research to optimize survivorship care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials .gov NCT02832154, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02832154.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Salsman
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine & Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| | - Laurie E McLouth
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Janet A Tooze
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine & Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Denisha Little-Greene
- Health Care Education, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Mia Sorkin Kehoe
- Medical Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Judith T Moskowitz
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kim Y, Ritt-Olson A, Tobin J, Haydon M, Milam J. Beyond depression: correlates of well-being in young adult survivors of childhood cancers. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:1397-1404. [PMID: 35187609 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the correlates of well-being with psychosocial and clinical factors in young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCS) above and beyond depressive symptoms. METHODS Participants were from the Project Forward Cohort, a population-based study of young adult survivors of childhood cancers. Participants (n = 1166, Mage = 25.1 years) were recruited through the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program (Cancer Registry covering Los Angeles County). A majority received a diagnosis of leukemia (36.1%) or lymphoma (21.7%). Participants completed self-reported questionnaires at one timepoint. Multiple regression analyses were performed with well-being as the outcome variable and psychosocial and clinical variables (social support, sense of adulthood, posttraumatic growth, treatment intensity, and self-rated health) as the independent variables. Covariates included demographics (age, gender, relationship status, race/ethnicity) and depressive symptoms. RESULTS In the multivariable model, posttraumatic growth, social support, sense of adulthood, and self-rated health were significantly associated with well-being (all ps < .05), when controlling for depressive symptoms. Treatment intensity and years since diagnosis were not significantly associated with well-being, when controlling for depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS There are unique correlates of well-being above and beyond depressive symptoms among YACCS. This finding illuminates individual differences that may be associated with well-being and provides targets for intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Psychosocial interventions and survivorship care for YACCS should consider the broad aspects of well-being, independent of depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonji Kim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | | | - Jessica Tobin
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marcie Haydon
- Department of Medicine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joel Milam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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Wolff J, Stupin J, Olschewski J, Pirmorady Sehouli A, Maier A, Fofana M, Raue JS, Finke G, Sehouli J. Digital therapeutic to improve cancer-related well-being: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2023:ijgc-2023-004304. [PMID: 37321673 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2023-004304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This randomized waitlist controlled pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Mika, an app-based digital therapeutic intervention hypothesized to improve management and the support of cancer patients. METHODS Patients with gynecological malignancies undergoing post-operative or routine outpatient chemotherapy were randomized (5:2) into intervention (Mika plus treatment-as-usual) and control (treatment-as-usual alone). Feasibility outcomes including dropout rate, reasons for dropout, and intervention adherence, as well as efficacy outcomes including depression, fatigue, and health literacy were assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Changes in efficacy outcomes from baseline to week 12 were evaluated in the intervention group only by means of Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS Seventy participants (intervention group, n=50; control group, n=20) with gynecological cancer (ovarian, cervical, and endometrial) were randomized. The dropout rate increased from 15.7% (11/70) between baseline and week 4 to 37.1% (26/70) between weeks 8 and 12. Primary reasons for dropout were death (n=10) and health status deterioration (n=11). The initial high intervention adherence observed between baseline and week 4 (86% usage rate, average usage time: 120 min, average number of logins: 16.7) declined in weeks 8 to 12 (46% usage rate, average usage time: 41 min, average number of logins: 9). Participants in the intervention group showed significant intra-individual reductions in depressive symptoms by 42% (d=0.85) and fatigue symptoms by 23.1% (d=0.5) from baseline to 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study provides initial evidence of the feasibility and efficacy of Mika in improving the well-being of cancer patients. The high initial intervention adherence and significant reductions in depressive and fatigue symptoms suggest that Mika has the potential to improve the management and support of cancer patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) ID: DRKS00023791; retrospectively registered on February 24, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Wolff
- Department of Gynecology with Center for Oncological Surgery, Charité Campus Virchow Clinic, Berlin University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Stupin
- Department of Gynecology with Center for Oncological Surgery, Charité Campus Virchow Clinic, Berlin University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jessica Olschewski
- Department of Gynecology with Center for Oncological Surgery, Charité Campus Virchow Clinic, Berlin University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adak Pirmorady Sehouli
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Charité - Berlin University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jalid Sehouli
- Department of Gynecology with Center for Oncological Surgery, Charité Campus Virchow Clinic, Berlin University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Winter N, Jongebloed H, Green A, Ugalde A, Livingston PM. Supportive interventions for carers of men with prostate cancer: systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2022-004034. [PMID: 37263759 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-004034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to summarise the literature on current interventions available for carers of men with prostate cancer and analyse the outcomes of these interventions in supporting carers' needs. METHODS A systematic review was conducted, searching databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and Cochrane, using terms related to prostate cancer, carers and interventions. Randomised controlled trials and non-randomised controlled trials of interventions for informal carers with or without patients were included. Data were analysed using descriptive and frequency statistics; interventions and their impact on carers' outcomes were reported on narratively. The SwiM guidelines were applied to guide data synthesis. RESULTS Overall, 24 articles were included in the review. On average, participants were spouses (92%) and women (97%). Interventions largely rwere delivered face-to-face (42%) or used a combination of face to face and online modalities (38%). Two-thirds (63%) showed a significant improvement in carer's outcomes including psychological, sexual, physical and relationship/marital. The majority of studies (79%) tailored contents to carers' circumstances, most within a couples counselling format. Over one-third (42%) of studies focused on a range of supportive care needs, most commonly were psychological (58%), sexual (42%) and informational (25%). CONCLUSIONS Interventions for carers of men with prostate cancer were largely face to face, patient-spouse focused and two-thirds had some measurable impact on carer's outcomes. Research continues to underserve other patient-carer roles, including non-spousal carers. Interventions delivered solely for carers are required to meet gaps in care, and determine the impact on carer outcomes. Further research and more targeted interventions are needed. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021249870.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Winter
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hannah Jongebloed
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Green
- Centre for Health Research, Faculty of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anna Ugalde
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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Martinez-Calderon J, García-Muñoz C, Heredia-Rizo AM, Cano-García FJ. Meaning and purpose in life, happiness, and life satisfaction in cancer: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Psychooncology 2023. [PMID: 37095608 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize current evidence on the potential cross-sectional and longitudinal association between meaning or purpose in life and subjective happiness or life satisfaction among cancer patients. METHODS A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression was conducted. CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO (via ProQuest) were searched from inception to 31 December 2022. In addition, manual searches were performed. The risk of bias in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies and the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool, respectively. Certainty in the evidence was judged using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. Meta-regressions and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS We included 13 cross-sectional studies, comprising 12 different samples, and a longitudinal study. A total of 4968 individuals with cancer were interviewed across included studies. Certainty in the evidence was judged as very low for all outcomes, which was associated to serious concerns on risk of bias and imprecision of the results, and very serious concerns on indirectness of evidence. The assessed studies showed a marked heterogeneity in terms of participants' clinical (i.e., disease stage) and sociodemographic factors. A lack of reporting of these clinical and sociodemographic aspects were also evident among included studies. CONCLUSIONS The wide number of methodological flaws detected in this systematic review preclude to make any clinical recommendation. More rigorous high-quality observational studies should guide future research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martinez-Calderon
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Uncertainty, Mindfulness, Self, Spirituality (UMSS) Research Group, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Cristina García-Muñoz
- Uncertainty, Mindfulness, Self, Spirituality (UMSS) Research Group, Sevilla, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Uncertainty, Mindfulness, Self, Spirituality (UMSS) Research Group, Sevilla, Spain
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Sutin AR, Stephan Y, Kekäläinen T, Luchetti M, Terracciano A. Purpose in life and accelerometer-measured physical activity among older adults. Psychol Health 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37073429 PMCID: PMC10582199 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2023.2200414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Purpose in life is associated with engagement in physical activity and better cognitive health. This study examines the association between purpose in life and patterns of physical activity measured with an accelerometer and whether these patterns mediate the association between purpose and episodic memory among older adults. METHODS AND MEASURES This research is a secondary analysis of data from the accelerometry sub-study of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Participants (N = 747; mean age = 79.20) reported on their purpose, wore an accelerometer for eight days, and completed an episodic memory task. RESULTS Purpose in life was associated with healthier patterns of physical activity, including higher total activity counts (β = .10, p = .002), more active bouts per day (β = .11, p = .003), less activity fragmentation (β = -.17, p < .001) and more sedentary fragmentation (β = .11, p = .002). These associations were generally similar across age, sex, race and education. Higher total activity counts and less activity fragmentation were associated with better episodic memory and accounted for part of the association between purpose and episodic memory. CONCLUSION Purpose in life is associated with healthier patterns of physical activity measured through accelerometry among older adults and such patterns may be one factor in the pathway from purpose to healthier episodic memory.
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Sutin DAR, Luchetti M, Aschwanden D, Stephan Y, Sesker AA, Terracciano A. Sense of meaning and purpose in life and risk of incident dementia: New data and meta-analysis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 105:104847. [PMID: 36347158 PMCID: PMC10015423 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A greater sense of meaning and purpose in life is associated with lower dementia risk. The present research examines meaning and incident dementia in the largest sample to date, the UK Biobank, and combines the findings with the published literature on meaning/purpose and dementia risk in a meta-analysis. METHOD Participants from the UK Biobank reported on their meaning in life in the 2016/2017 mental health assessment (N=153,445). All-cause and cause-specific dementia were derived from hospital and death records through November 2021. Cox regression was used to test the association between meaning in life and risk of incident dementia. Results from the UK Biobank were combined with published studies identified through a systematic literature review in a random-effect meta-analysis (k=8; total N=214,270). RESULTS UK Biobank participants were followed up to five years after their assessment of meaning in life; 551 participants developed dementia. For every one-point higher feeling of meaning, there was a 35% decreased risk of all-cause dementia (HR=.74, 95% CI=.67-.82, p<.001). The association was similar controlling for clinical and behavioral risk factors and was not moderated by age, sex, education, or APOE risk status. Similar associations were found for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The meta-analysis supported the protective association between meaning/purpose and lower dementia risk (HR=.76, 95% CI=.72-.79, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS The present research supports the growing literature that meaning and purpose in life have a robust association with lower risk of developing dementia. Meaning/purpose is a promising intervention target for healthier cognitive outcomes in older adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dr Angelina R Sutin
- Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States.
| | - Martina Luchetti
- Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
| | - Damaris Aschwanden
- Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
| | | | - Amanda A Sesker
- Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
| | - Antonio Terracciano
- Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
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Sutin AR, Aschwanden D, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. Sense of Purpose in Life and Subjective Cognitive Failures. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 200:111874. [PMID: 36891529 PMCID: PMC9988243 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A greater sense of purpose in life is an aspect of well-being associated with markers of cognitive health across adulthood, including subjective cognition. The current research extends this work to examine how purpose is associated with cognitive failures, which are momentary lapses in cognitive function, whether this association varies by age, sex, race, or education, and whether it is accounted for by depressed affect. Adults across the United States (N=5,100) reported on their sense of purpose in life, recent cognitive failures in four domains (memory, distractibility, blunders, names), and depressed affect. Purpose was associated with fewer cognitive failures overall and within each domain (median d=.30, p<.01), controlling for sociodemographic covariates. These associations were similar across sex, education, and racial groups but were stronger at relatively older than younger ages. Depressed affect accounted for all the association between purpose and cognitive failures among adults younger than 50; the association was reduced by half but remained significant among participants 50 and older. Purpose was associated with fewer cognitive failures, especially in the second half of adulthood. Purpose may be a psychological resource that helps support subjective cognition among relatively older adults, even after accounting for depressed affect.
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Guan T, Qan’ir Y, Conklin JL, Zimba CC, Bula A, Jumbo W, Wella K, Mapulanga P, Bingo SA, Chilemba E, Haley J, Montano NP, Bryant AL, Song L. Systematic review of psychosocial interventions for adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2199062. [PMID: 37054448 PMCID: PMC10623887 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2199062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is becoming a public health issue in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This systematic review aims to synthesise psychosocial interventions and their effects on the health outcomes of adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in SSA. We identified eligible publications in English language from PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus with Full Text, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and African Index Medicus databases. We included psychosocial interventions targeted adult cancer patients/survivors or their family caregivers in SSA. This review identified five psychosocial interventions from six studies that support adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in SSA. The interventions focused on providing informational, psycho-cognitive, and social support. Three interventions significantly improved quality of life outcomes for cancer patients and their caregivers. Significant gaps exist between the rapidly increasing cancer burdens and the limited psychosocial educational interventions supporting adult cancer patients and their families in SSA. The reviewed studies provide preliminary evidence on development and testing interventions that aim to improve patients' and caregivers' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guan
- School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Yousef Qan’ir
- Faculty of Nursing, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Jamie L. Conklin
- Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Agatha Bula
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Wongani Jumbo
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Haley
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Ashley Leak Bryant
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lixin Song
- School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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ÜLBE S, DİRİK G. Kanser Tanısı almış Kişilere Uygulanan Anlam Temelli Müdahale Programları: Sistematik bir Derleme. KLINIK PSIKOLOJI DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.57127/kpd.26024438m0000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Son yıllarda kanser tanısı almış kişilerin yalnızca yaşadıkları olumsuz psikolojik semptomları azaltmayı değil, aynı zamanda kişilerin yaşamdaki anlam kaynaklarını ve değerleri ile temasa geçerek yaşamlarını zenginleştirmeyi amaçlayan çeşitli anlam temelli müdahale geliştirilmiştir. Mevcut çalışmanın amacı kanser tanısı alan kişilerde doğrudan yaşamda anlam ve amaç duygularını geliştirmeye odaklanan müdahalelerin özelliklerini ve sonuçlarını sistematik olarak incelemektir. Bu kapsamda PsychINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, PubMed, Scopus ve Web of Science olmak üzere toplamda altı elektronik veri tabanı kullanılarak sistematik bir literatür taraması yapılmıştır. 2000-2022 yılları arasında yapılan tarama sonucunda kanser tanısı almış kişiler için doğrudan anlam yaratmaya ve yaşamda anlam duygusuna odaklanan 14 farklı müdahale programını içeren 20 çalışmaya ulaşılmıştır. Derlemede yer alan araştırmaların örneklemini çoğunlukla kadın, orta yaş ve üzeri olan ve ileri evre kanser tanısı alan kişiler oluşturmuştur. Meme ve akciğer kanseri bu derlemedeki araştırmalarda en çok yer alan kanser türüdür. Derlemeye dâhil edilen çalışmaların çoğunluğunun kuramsal olarak Frankl’ın çalışmalarından etkilendiği ve psikoterapide varoluşsal yaklaşımı benimsedikleri görülmektedir. Anlam odaklı müdahale programlarının etkileri değerlendirildiğinde ise yapılan müdahalelerin anlam duygusunu, yaşam kalitesini ve spiritüel iyi oluş düzeylerini iyileştirmede büyük oranda etkili olduğu görülmektedir. Ayrıca anksiyete, depresyon, duygusal sıkıntı, iyimserlik ve umutsuzluk düzeyleri üzerinde görece olumlu etkileri olduğu düşünülmektedir. Bu kapsamda anlam odaklı müdahalelerinin kanser tanısı almış kişilerin hem anlam ve varoluşla ilgili sorularını hem de duygusal sıkıntılarını ele almada umut verici bir yaklaşım olduğu görülmektedir. Diğer taraftan anlam odaklı müdahalelere ilişkin daha kapsamlı çıkarımlar yapabilmek için daha titiz bir araştırma metodolojisi kullanan yeni çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.
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Liu X, Wu X, Cheng Q, Ying W, Gong X, Lu D, Zhang Y, Liu Z. Meaning in life and its relationship with family cohesion: A survey of patients with palliative care in China. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2022; 9:100118. [PMID: 36158703 PMCID: PMC9500513 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2022.100118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Meaning in life (MIL) and family cohesion are important concerns for the palliative care population; however, evidence of the relationship between MIL and family cohesion is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between MIL and family cohesion and explore the factors that influence MIL among the palliative care population. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 205 patients with advanced cancer were recruited from two palliative care units in China. Data were collected using the meaning in life scale (MiLS), the family cohesion subscale of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale, second edition, Chinese version, and the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS). Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between family cohesion and perceived MIL and identify the potential factors of participants' MiLS score. RESULTS The mean MiLS score was 100.90 (SD = 9.17). The results showed that family cohesion (r = 0.313, P < 0.001) and KPS scores (r = 0.311, P < 0.001) were positively correlated with MiLS scores. Multivariate linear regression revealed that MIL was significantly influenced by family cohesion, KPS score, sex, religiosity, whether participants lived alone, and their medical insurance payment method (Adjust R 2 = 28.4%, F = 6.281, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate a positive relationship between family cohesion and MIL, suggesting that clinicians should consider increasing patients' family cohesion as an approach to enhance perceived MIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Liu
- Nursing Department, Shenzhen Longhua Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Nursing Department, Shantou Central Hosiptal, Shantou, China
| | - Qinqin Cheng
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wenjuan Ying
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoling Gong
- Nursing Department, Shenzhen Longhua Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dali Lu
- Department of Pediatric Psychology, Shenzhen Longhua Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Psychology, Shenzhen Longhua Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhili Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Corresponding author.
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Incidence, risk factors, prevention and treatment of postmastectomy pain syndrome in breast cancer: A multicenter study. Int J Surg 2022; 106:106937. [PMID: 36152923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a common postoperative condition after breast cancer surgery. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of PMPS, and to propose prevention and treatment methods. METHODS The study included 1790 postoperative breast cancer patients from three hospitals from 2017 to 2021, of which 302 (13.0%) patients with PMPS were included in the study. RESULTS Age, breast surgery type, axillary surgery type and radiotherapy are the risk factors of PMPS. Age, radiotherapy and chemotherapy affect the pain degree of PMPS during movement. CONCLUSIONS For breast cancer patients with high risk factors, pain should be actively prevented during perioperative period. Oral pharmacological agents, multidisciplinary combination therapy, local anesthetics and regional anesthesia are the most common treatment of PMPS.
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. Self-reported sense of purpose in life and proxy-reported behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in the last year of life. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:1693-1698. [PMID: 34166597 PMCID: PMC8976232 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1937055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives:Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are among the most challenging aspects of dementia for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Identifying factors associated with resilience to BPSD may inform interventions to reduce them. The present research examines whether purpose in life is associated with BPSD in the last year of life.Method:Participants from the Health and Retirement Study were selected if they reported on their sense of purpose, had evidence of a memory impairment, died across the follow-up, and a proxy completed the End of Life survey that included BPSD (N = 2473). Self-reported sense of purpose was tested as a predictor of the sum of symptoms and each indivdual symptom in the last year of life.Results:Purpose in life was associated with fewer BPSD overall. Of the individual symptoms, purpose was associated with less risk of psychological symptoms, specfiically less depression, periodic confusion, uncontrolled temper, but not with motor or perceptual symptoms.Conclusion: These results are consistent with growing evidence that purpose is associated with better cognitive outcomes. Purpose may be a useful target of intervention to improve outcomes across the spectrum of dementia.
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. Sense of purpose in life and motivation, barriers, and engagement in physical activity and sedentary behavior: Test of a mediational model. J Health Psychol 2022; 27:2068-2078. [PMID: 34041939 PMCID: PMC8626539 DOI: 10.1177/13591053211021661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose in life is associated with greater engagement in physical activity. The present research (N = 3473) addresses whether motivations and barriers to physical activity mediate this relation concurrently and prospectively early in the coronavirus pandemic. Higher purpose was associated with greater intrinsic, identified, and external motivation for physical activity and fewer barriers. Intrinsic motivation was a robust mediator of the relation between purpose and more physical activity and less sedentary behavior reported concurrently and prospectively; identified motivation mediated the relation with physical activity. Purpose in life is associated with being more physically active through both greater enjoyment and valuing its benefits.
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Aschwanden D, Lee JH, Sesker AA, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. Sense of purpose in life and concurrent loneliness and risk of incident loneliness: An individual-participant meta-analysis of 135,227 individuals from 36 cohorts. J Affect Disord 2022; 309:211-220. [PMID: 35483500 PMCID: PMC9133197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sense of purpose, the feeling that one's life is goal-oriented and driven, tends to be protective for psychological health. Less is known about its relation with social health, particularly loneliness. We test whether the cross-sectional association between purpose and loneliness is replicable and whether purpose protects against the development of incident loneliness over time. METHODS Participants from 36 cohorts (total N = 135,227; age range 18-109) reported on their sense of purpose, loneliness, and psychological distress. Follow-up measures of loneliness were available in 28 cohorts that ranged from six weeks to 15 years. Prospective, random-effect meta-analysis was used to summarize the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations from each cohort. RESULTS Sense of purpose was associated significantly with less loneliness in all 36 cohorts, controlling for sociodemographic factors (meta-analytic mean effect estimate = -0.31, 95% CI = -0.34, -0.29, p < .001). This association was stronger among participants experiencing concurrent severe psychological distress. Sense of purpose was protective against the development of new incident loneliness (meta-analytic mean hazard ratio estimate = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.82, 0.87, p < .001). Age did not moderate any of the associations. LIMITATIONS Limitations include the lack of lower-income countries. The mechanisms that explain this association also need to be identified in future research. CONCLUSIONS Sense of purpose is associated with less loneliness and with protection against developing loneliness over time, associations that replicated across cohorts from North America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East. Sense of purpose may be a useful target of intervention to prevent or reduce loneliness, especially among individuals suffering from psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Florida State University College of Medicine, United States
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Yilmaz S, Janelsins MC, Flannery M, Culakova E, Wells M, Lin PJ, Loh KP, Epstein R, Kamen C, Kleckner AS, Norton SA, Plumb S, Alberti S, Doyle K, Porto M, Weber M, Dukelow N, Magnuson A, Kehoe LA, Nightingale G, Jensen-Battaglia M, Mustian KM, Mohile SG. Protocol paper: Multi-site, cluster-randomized clinical trial for optimizing functional outcomes of older cancer survivors after chemotherapy. J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:892-903. [PMID: 35292232 PMCID: PMC9283231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors over the age of 65 have unique needs due to the higher prevalence of functional and cognitive impairment, comorbidities, geriatric syndromes, and greater need for social support after chemotherapy. In this study, we will evaluate whether a Geriatric Evaluation and Management-Survivorship (GEMS) intervention improves functional outcomes important to older cancer survivors following chemotherapy. METHODS A cluster-randomized trial will be conducted in approximately 30 community oncology practices affiliated with the University of Rochester Cancer Center (URCC) National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Research Base. Participating sites will be randomized to the GEMS intervention, which includes Advanced Practice Practitioner (APP)-directed geriatric evaluation and management (GEM), and Survivorship Health Education (SHE) that is combined with Exercise for Cancer Patients (EXCAP©®), or usual care. Cancer survivors will be recruited from community oncology practices (of participating oncology physicians and APPs) after the enrolled clinicians have consented and completed a baseline survey. We will enroll 780 cancer survivors aged 65 years and older who have completed curative-intent chemotherapy for a solid tumor malignancy within four weeks of study enrollment. Cancer survivors will be asked to choose one caregiver to also participate for a total up to 780 caregivers. The primary aim is to compare the effectiveness of GEMS for improving patient-reported physical function at six months. The secondary aim is to compare effectiveness of GEMS for improving patient-reported cognitive function at six months. Tertiary aims include comparing the effectiveness of GEMS for improving: 1) Patient-reported physical function at twelve months; 2) objectively assessed physical function at six and twelve months; and 3) patient-reported cognitive function at twelve months and objectively assessed cognitive function at six and twelve months. Exploratory health care aims include: 1) Survivor satisfaction with care, 2) APP communication with primary care physicians (PCPs), 3) completion of referral appointments, and 4) hospitalizations at six and twelve months. Exploratory caregiver aims include: 1) Caregiver distress; 2) caregiver quality of life; 3) caregiver burden; and 4) satisfaction with patient care at six and twelve months. DISCUSSION If successful, GEMS would be an option for a standardized APP-led survivorship care intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.govNCT05006482, registered on August 9, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yilmaz
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Geriatric Oncology Research, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - M C Janelsins
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M Flannery
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - E Culakova
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M Wells
- Geriatric Oncology Research, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - P-J Lin
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - K P Loh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - R Epstein
- Department of Family Medicine Research, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - C Kamen
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - A S Kleckner
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S A Norton
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - S Plumb
- Geriatric Oncology Research, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - S Alberti
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - K Doyle
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M Porto
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M Weber
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - N Dukelow
- Department of Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - A Magnuson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - L A Kehoe
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - G Nightingale
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Jensen-Battaglia
- Geriatric Oncology Research, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - K M Mustian
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - S G Mohile
- Geriatric Oncology Research, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
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Jadidi A, Ameri F. Social Support and Meaning of Life in Women with Breast Cancer. Ethiop J Health Sci 2022; 32:709-714. [PMID: 35950056 PMCID: PMC9341025 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v32i4.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social support is known as an affection-oriented coping mechanism when a person is involved with cancer. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between family social support and the meaning of life in women with breast cancer. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 84 women with a mean age of 60 (SD = 5.7) years with breast cancer who were admitted to a teaching hospital participated. Data were collected using social support and meaning of life questionnaires. After collecting the completed questionnaires and entering the data into the computer, the analysis was performed using SPSS software and using t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation test at a significant level of 0.01. Results The mean score of their social support was 39.35 ± 9.51, respectively and the meaning of life was 29.5 ± 7.49. ANOVA results indicated that the social support score and meaning of life had no significant relationship with any of the demographic variables. Also, the findings suggest that there is a statistically significant correlation between social support and the meaning of life (r = 0.773, P < 0.001). Conclusion It is proposed to increase the level of social support from the family to help improve the meaning of life in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jadidi
- Ph.D in Nursing, School of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Farzad Ameri
- Bs in Nursing, School of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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Psychological interventions targeting patients with metastatic cancer and prolonged survival expectancies: advances and challenges. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:256-264. [PMID: 35703243 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this article is to review the formats and techniques of psychological interventions designed for patients with metastatic cancer and prolonged survival expectancies. RECENT FINDINGS Fifteen interventional studies were selected for this article. One group of psychological interventions focused primarily on patients' adaptation by increasing their knowledge, developing patients' stress management skills, promoting their open communication with healthcare providers, and helping them deal with existential concerns. Another group of interventions focused on patients with moderate and high levels of distress. These interventions provided specific techniques to manage anxiety, depression, fear of cancer progression, and existential distress. Interestingly, interventions targeting distressed patients are not necessarily longer or more intensive than interventions targeting adaptation. The interventions were examined in few randomized controlled trials, and incorporated a broad range of techniques, making comparison of their efficacy difficult. No intervention specifically targeted patients newly diagnosed with metastatic cancer. SUMMARY On the basis of this review, we proposed suggestions according to patients' levels of distress, which differ in intensity, format, techniques, and tools offered. These suggestions may be relevant for the future development and assessment of interventions targeting patients with newly diagnosed metastatic cancer and prolonged survival expectancies.
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Sebastian AT, Rajkumar E, John R, Daniel M, George AJ, Greeshma R, James T. Emotional Self-Care: Exploring the Influencing Factors Among Individuals With Cancer. Front Psychol 2022; 13:898345. [PMID: 35734454 PMCID: PMC9207817 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.898345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading source of distress and fatality worldwide. Cancer-related aberrant cell proliferation causes excruciating pain and impairment. To cope with pain and manage symptoms and illness, pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological options are available. Self-care behaviors are recognized as a key source in symptom management and improving quality adherence to treatment among the current non-pharmacological strategies. The intervention measures to improve self-care were hardly impacted because of the narrow focus on physical self-care. Bringing in emotional self-care and addressing the individual's emotional health can enhance the effectiveness of interventions on a holistic level. Hence, this study has attempted to explore the factors that influence emotional self-care among individuals with cancer. Following an exploratory research design, the data were collected from 15 participants (4 men and 11 women) using purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. Through thematic analysis, eight major themes were identified: physiological factors, social factors, family factors, psychological factors, individual factors, socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, and spiritual factors. The findings explained the emotional self-care among patients with cancer and how different identified factors influence their emotional self-care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eslavath Rajkumar
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, India
- *Correspondence: Eslavath Rajkumar
| | - Romate John
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, India
| | - Monica Daniel
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, India
| | - Allen Joshua George
- Humanities and Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Management Ranchi, Ranchi, India
| | - Rajgopal Greeshma
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, India
| | - Treasa James
- Department of Medicine, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, India
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Meaning in Life and the Acceptance of Cancer: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095547. [PMID: 35564946 PMCID: PMC9104184 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Meaning in life and acceptance of cancer are critical for patients to adjust to a cancer diagnosis and to improve psychological wellbeing. Little is known about the relationship between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer. This study provides a systematic review of the associations between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer in cancer patients. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS databases were searched until 15 March 2021. Studies were included if they quantitatively examined the association between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer in adult cancer patients/survivors and if they were published in peer-reviewed journals or in books. The study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Of the 4907 records identified through database searches, only 3 studies quantitatively examined the associations between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer. The total sample involved 464 women with cancer. All three studies reported positive correlations between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer (ranging from r = 0.19 to r = 0.38), whereas meaning in life did not predict the acceptance of cancer. Overall, the meaning in life–acceptance relationship has not been sufficiently investigated, though it has relevant theoretical and clinical implications for coping with cancer. High-quality studies are needed to better understand the relationship between meaning in life and the acceptance of cancer.
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The association between purpose/meaning in life and verbal fluency and episodic memory: a meta-analysis of >140,000 participants from up to 32 countries. Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:263-273. [PMID: 33612145 PMCID: PMC8380267 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220004214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feelings of purpose and meaning in life are protective against consequential cognitive outcomes, including reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Purpose and meaning are likely to also be associated with cognitive functions on the pathway to dementia. The objective of the current research was to test whether both purpose in life and meaning in life are associated with higher verbal fluency and better episodic memory and whether these associations varied by sociodemographic characteristics or economic characteristics of the country. DESIGN Prospective meta-analysis of cross-sectional associations based on individual participant data. SETTING Established cohort studies with measures of either purpose in life or meaning in life and verbal fluency and episodic memory. PARTICIPANTS Across the cohorts, there were over 140,000 participants from 32 countries from North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. RESULTS The meta-analysis indicated that purpose and meaning were associated with better performance on both the verbal fluency (meta-analytic partial r = .098, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .080, .116, p < .001) and episodic memory (r = .117, 95% CI = .100, .135, p < .001) task and that these associations were similar across measures of purpose in life and meaning in life. There was modest evidence that these associations were slightly stronger in relatively lower-income countries, and there was less consistent evidence that they varied by age, gender, or education. DISCUSSION These findings indicate a robust association between purpose/meaning and both verbal fluency and episodic memory across demographic groups and cultural context. Purpose/meaning may be a useful target of intervention for healthier cognitive aging.
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Kennedy GJ. Is Having a Higher Sense of Purpose an Antidote to Loneliness and Isolation in Old Age? Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:182-183. [PMID: 34210595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gary J Kennedy
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY.
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Boyle PA, Wang T, Yu L, Barnes LL, Wilson RS, Bennett DA. Purpose in Life May Delay Adverse Health Outcomes in Old Age. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:174-181. [PMID: 34175231 PMCID: PMC10151065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Test the hypothesis that a higher level of purpose in life is associated with an older age of Alzheimer's dementia onset and later mortality. DESIGN Prospective cohort studies of aging and Alzheimer's dementia. SETTING Community-based. PARTICIPANTS Two thousand five hundred fifty-eight older adults initially free of dementia underwent assessments of purpose in life and detailed annual clinical evaluations to document incident Alzheimer's dementia and mortality. General accelerated failure time models examined the relation of baseline purpose in life with age at Alzheimer's dementia diagnosis and mortality. EXPOSURES Purpose in life was assessed at baseline. MAIN OUTCOMES Alzheimer's dementia diagnosis was documented annually based on detailed clinical evaluations and mortality was documented via regular contacts and annual evaluations. RESULTS During a mean of 6.89 years of follow-up, 520 individuals were diagnosed with incident Alzheimer's dementia at a mean age of 88 (SD = 6.7; range: 64.1-106.5). They had a mean baseline level of purpose in life of 3.7 (SD = 0.47; range: 1-5). A higher level of purpose in life was associated with a considerably later age of dementia onset (estimate = 0.044; 95% CI: 0.023, 0.065); specifically, individuals with high purpose (90th percentile) developed Alzheimer's dementia at a mean age of about 95 compared to a mean age of about 89 for individuals with low purpose (10th percentile). Further, the estimated mean age of death was about 89 for individuals with high purpose compared to 85 for those with low purpose. Results persisted after controlling for sex and education. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Purpose in life delays dementia onset and mortality by several years. Interventions to increase purpose in life among older persons may increase healthspan and offer considerable public health benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Boyle
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
| | - Tianhao Wang
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Lei Yu
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Lisa L Barnes
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Robert S Wilson
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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Winger JG, Ramos K, Kelleher SA, Somers TJ, Steinhauser KE, Porter LS, Kamal AH, Breitbart WS, Keefe FJ. Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training: A Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Psychosocial Pain Management Intervention for Patients with Advanced Cancer. J Palliat Med 2022. [PMID: 34388037 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.008160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pain from advanced cancer can greatly reduce patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Objective: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a behavioral pain management intervention, Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training (MCPC). Design: This trial used a single-arm feasibility design. Setting/Subjects: Thirty participants with stage IV solid tumor cancer, moderate-to-severe pain, and clinically elevated distress were enrolled from a tertiary cancer center in the United States. The manualized protocol was delivered across four 45- to 60-minute videoconference sessions. Measurements: Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through accrual, session/assessment completion, intervention satisfaction, and coping skills usage. Participants completed validated measures of primary outcomes (i.e., pain severity, pain interference, and spiritual well-being) and secondary outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and four-week follow-up. Results: Eighty-eight percent (38/43) of patients who completed screening met inclusion criteria, and 79% (30/38) consented and completed baseline assessment. Sixty-seven percent (20/30) of participants were female (mean age = 57). Most participants were White/Caucasian (77%; 23/30) or Black/African American (17%; 5/30) with at least some college education (90%; 27/30). Completion rates for intervention sessions and both post-intervention assessments were 90% (27/30), 87% (26/30), and 77% (23/30), respectively. At the post-intervention assessment, participants reported a high degree of intervention satisfaction (mean = 3.53/4.00; SD = 0.46), and 81% (21/26) reported weekly use of coping skills that they learned. Participants also showed improvement from baseline on all primary outcomes and nearly all secondary outcomes at both post-intervention assessments. Conclusions: MCPC demonstrated strong feasibility and acceptability. Findings warrant further evaluation of MCPC in a randomized controlled trial. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03207360.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Winger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine Ramos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for the Study of Human Aging and Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT) for Health Services Research and Development, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Geriatric, Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah A Kelleher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tamara J Somers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karen E Steinhauser
- Center for the Study of Human Aging and Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT) for Health Services Research and Development, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura S Porter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arif H Kamal
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Fuqua School of Business, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - William S Breitbart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Francis J Keefe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Winger JG, Ramos K, Kelleher SA, Somers TJ, Steinhauser KE, Porter LS, Kamal AH, Breitbart WS, Keefe FJ. Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training: A Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Psychosocial Pain Management Intervention for Patients with Advanced Cancer. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:60-69. [PMID: 34388037 PMCID: PMC8721493 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pain from advanced cancer can greatly reduce patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Objective: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a behavioral pain management intervention, Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training (MCPC). Design: This trial used a single-arm feasibility design. Setting/Subjects: Thirty participants with stage IV solid tumor cancer, moderate-to-severe pain, and clinically elevated distress were enrolled from a tertiary cancer center in the United States. The manualized protocol was delivered across four 45- to 60-minute videoconference sessions. Measurements: Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through accrual, session/assessment completion, intervention satisfaction, and coping skills usage. Participants completed validated measures of primary outcomes (i.e., pain severity, pain interference, and spiritual well-being) and secondary outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and four-week follow-up. Results: Eighty-eight percent (38/43) of patients who completed screening met inclusion criteria, and 79% (30/38) consented and completed baseline assessment. Sixty-seven percent (20/30) of participants were female (mean age = 57). Most participants were White/Caucasian (77%; 23/30) or Black/African American (17%; 5/30) with at least some college education (90%; 27/30). Completion rates for intervention sessions and both post-intervention assessments were 90% (27/30), 87% (26/30), and 77% (23/30), respectively. At the post-intervention assessment, participants reported a high degree of intervention satisfaction (mean = 3.53/4.00; SD = 0.46), and 81% (21/26) reported weekly use of coping skills that they learned. Participants also showed improvement from baseline on all primary outcomes and nearly all secondary outcomes at both post-intervention assessments. Conclusions: MCPC demonstrated strong feasibility and acceptability. Findings warrant further evaluation of MCPC in a randomized controlled trial. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03207360.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Winger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Address correspondence to: Joseph G. Winger, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 2200 West Main Street, Suite 340, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Katherine Ramos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Center for the Study of Human Aging and Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT) for Health Services Research and Development, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Geriatric, Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah A. Kelleher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tamara J. Somers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karen E. Steinhauser
- Center for the Study of Human Aging and Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT) for Health Services Research and Development, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura S. Porter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arif H. Kamal
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Fuqua School of Business, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - William S. Breitbart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Francis J. Keefe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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The Potential of Psychedelics for End of Life and Palliative Care. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 56:169-184. [PMID: 34958455 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
End of life and palliative care has improved in recent decades but the psychopharmacological options available to clinicians and patients in these contexts remain limited. In particular, psychological factors such as depression, existential distress, and well-being remain challenging to address with current medications. Here, we review recent research on the use of psychedelics in clinical settings with a particular focus on patients with life-threatening diagnoses. We propose that psychedelics may provide clinicians with an additional psychopharmacological treatment in the context of end of life and palliative care.
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44
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Eche IJ, Yusufov M, Isibor DA, Wolfe J. A systematic review and meta-analytic evaluation of psychosocial interventions in parents of children with cancer with an exploratory focus on minority outcomes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29328. [PMID: 34523798 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with cancer are prone to psychosocial distress, yet little is known about intervention response among diverse parents. Our systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of psychosocial interventions on anxiety and depression among parents of children with cancer and explored race and/or ethnicity differences in the efficacy of these interventions. Twenty articles met inclusion. The aggregate effect size on anxiety (-0.01, 95% CI: -0.95, 0.93, p = .97) and depression (-0.56, 95% CI: -1.65, 0.54, p = .32) showed micro to medium effects, with larger negative effect sizes indicating that anxiety and depression scores after treatment were lower for parents in intervention group as compared to control group. Neither aggregate effect size was statistically significantly different from zero. Due to underrepresentation of minorities, we could not perform subgroup or moderator analyses. Several efficacious psychosocial interventions were found to reduce parental anxiety. Future studies to examine psychosocial interventions in minority parents are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ijeoma Julie Eche
- Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Miryam Yusufov
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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45
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McLouth LE, Ford CG, Pustejovsky JE, Park CL, Sherman AC, Trevino K, Salsman JM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of effects of psychosocial interventions on spiritual well-being in adults with cancer. Psychooncology 2021; 30:147-158. [PMID: 34602807 PMCID: PMC8485897 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective Spiritual well-being (SpWb) is an important dimension of health-related quality of life for many cancer patients. Accordingly, an increasing number of psychosocial intervention studies have included SpWb as a study endpoint, and may improve SpWb even if not designed explicitly to do so. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated effects of psychosocial interventions on SpWb in adults with cancer and tested potential moderators of intervention effects. Methods Six literature databases were systematically searched to identify RCTs of psychosocial interventions in which SpWb was an outcome. Doctoral-level rater pairs extracted data using Covidence following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Standard meta-analytic techniques were applied, including meta-regression with robust variance estimation and risk-of-bias sensitivity analysis. Results Forty-one RCTs were identified, encompassing 88 treatment effects among 3883 survivors. Interventions were associated with significant improvements in SpWb (g = 0.22, 95% CI [0.14, 0.29], p < 0.0001). Studies assessing the FACIT-Sp demonstrated larger effect sizes than did those using other measures of SpWb (g = 0.25, 95% CI [0.17, 0.34], vs. g = 0.10, 95% CI [-0.02, 0.23], p = 0.03]. No other intervention, clinical, or demographic characteristics significantly moderated effect size. Conclusions Psychosocial interventions are associated with small-to-medium-sized effects on SpWb among cancer survivors. Future research should focus on conceptually coherent interventions explicitly targeting SpWb and evaluate interventions in samples that are diverse with respect to race and ethnicity, sex and cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie E McLouth
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - C Graham Ford
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - James E Pustejovsky
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Allen C Sherman
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kelly Trevino
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York City, New York, USA
| | - John M Salsman
- Wake Forest School of Medicine and the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. Meaning in Life and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity: Association based on 67,038 UK Biobank Participants. Ment Health Phys Act 2021; 21:100412. [PMID: 35340340 PMCID: PMC8955799 DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2021.100412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Meaning in life is associated consistently with greater self-reported physical activity. The present research sought to replicate this association with the largest sample to date with objectively measured physical activity. Participants between the ages of 40 and 70 years old from the UK Biobank (N=67,038) wore an accelerometer for up to seven days and reported on their meaning in life. Higher meaning was associated with greater engagement in physical activity, an association robust across age, gender, and education. It remained significant accounting for body mass index, depression, and relative deprivation. Further, for every 1-point increase in meaning in life, there was a 14% increase in likelihood of being in the top quartile of physical activity (OR=1.14, 95% confidence interval=1.11, 1.16, p<.001) and a 10% increase in likelihood of engaging in vigorous activity (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.06, 1.15, p<.001). Physical activity may be one behavioral mechanism that links meaning in life to better health outcomes.
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Terracciano A. Sense of purpose in life and healthier cognitive aging. Trends Cogn Sci 2021; 25:917-919. [PMID: 34538721 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with a greater sense of purpose maintain better cognitive function and have lower dementia risk. We review evidence linking purpose in life to healthier cognitive aging across adulthood and diverse demographic groups. Experimental work is now needed to test causal mechanisms to evaluate the utility of purpose as an intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina R Sutin
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Martina Luchetti
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Antonio Terracciano
- Department of Geriatrics, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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Sutin AR, Aschwanden D, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. Sense of Purpose in Life Is Associated with Lower Risk of Incident Dementia: A Meta-Analysis. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:249-258. [PMID: 34275900 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A sense of purpose in life has been associated with healthier cognitive outcomes across adulthood, including risk of dementia. The robustness and replicability of this association, however, has yet to be evaluated systematically. OBJECTIVE To test whether a greater sense of purpose in life is associated with lower risk of dementia in four population-based cohorts and combined with the published literature. METHODS Random-effect meta-analysis of prospective studies (individual participant data and from the published literature identified through a systematic review) that examined sense of purpose and risk of incident dementia. RESULTS In six samples followed up to 17 years (four primary data and two published; total N = 53,499; n = 5,862 incident dementia), greater sense of purpose in life was associated with lower dementia risk (HR = 0.77, 95%CI = 0.73-0.81, p < 0.001). The association was generally consistent across cohorts (I2 = 47%), remained significant controlling for clinical (e.g., depression) and behavioral (e.g., physical inactivity) risk factors, and was not moderated by age, gender, or education. CONCLUSION Sense of purpose is a replicable and robust predictor of lower risk of incident dementia and is a promising target of intervention for cognitive health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina R Sutin
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | | | - Martina Luchetti
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Mei Z, Lori A, Vattathil SM, Boyle PA, Bradley B, Jin P, Bennett DA, Wingo TS, Wingo AP. Important Correlates of Purpose in Life Identified Through a Machine Learning Approach. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 29:488-498. [PMID: 33046355 PMCID: PMC8004535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A wealth of evidence has linked purpose in life (PiL) to better mental and physical health and healthy aging. Here, the authors aimed to determine important correlates of PiL using a machine learning approach. METHODS Participants were recruited from retirement communities by the Rush Memory and Aging Project and assessed for childhood experience, adulthood sociodemographic factors (e.g., education, income, marital status), lifestyle and health behavior (e.g., cognitively stimulating activities, exercise, social activities, social network size), psychological factors (e.g., depression, loneliness, perceived discrimination, perceived social support), personality traits (e.g., PiL, harm avoidance), and medical conditions. Elastic Net was implemented to identify important correlates of PiL. RESULTS A total of 1,839 participants were included in our analysis. Among the 23 variables provided to Elastic Net, 10 were identified as important correlates of PiL. In order of decreasing effect size, factors associated with lower PiL were loneliness, harm avoidance, older age, and depressive symptoms, while those associated with greater PiL were perceived social support, more social activities, more years of education, higher income, intact late-life cognitive performance, and more middle-age cognitive activities. CONCLUSION Our findings identify potentially important modifiable factors as targets for intervention strategies to enhance PiL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Mei
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Adriana Lori
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Selina M Vattathil
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Patricia A Boyle
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Bekh Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Division of Mental Health, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Thomas S Wingo
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Aliza P Wingo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Division of Mental Health, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA.
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Liu X, Liu Z, Cheng Q, Xu N, Liu H, Ying W. Effects of meaning in life and individual characteristics on dignity in patients with advanced cancer in China: a cross-sectional study. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:2319-2326. [PMID: 32914328 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05732-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of meaning in life and individual characteristics on dignity in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS One hundred sixty-seven patients with advanced cancer participated in this study. Dignity was assessed with the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), meaning in life was assessed with the Meaning in Life Scale (MiLS), and performance status was defined as the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were also measured. Independent T tests and one-way ANOVA were performed for the PDI scores and sociodemographic and clinical variables. Relationships among the PDI, MiLS, and KPS scores were evaluated with bivariate analyses (Spearman rank correlation). A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors the of PDI score. RESULTS Patients reported a mean of 4.2 (SD 4.9) problems affecting their sense of dignity; 21.6% reported moderate to severe loss of their sense of dignity. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that a lower MiLS score, younger age, inpatient status, and a lower KPS score predicted the loss of dignity. Stepwise regression showed that 49.8% of dignity-related distress could be explained by the MiLS score, age, inpatient status, and the KPS score. CONCLUSION Self-perceived dignity is significantly negatively associated with meaning in life, age, inpatient status, and performance status. The early recognition of risk factors for the loss of dignity and interventions to enhance meaning in life may prevent the loss of dignity in patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Liu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhili Liu
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinqin Cheng
- Pain Management Department, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Nuo Xu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Ying
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, People's Republic of China.
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