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Wang Y, Sun H, Ji Q, Wu Q, Wei J, Zhu P. Prevalence, Associated Factors and Adverse Outcomes of Demoralization in Cancer Patients: A Decade of Systematic Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:1216-1230. [PMID: 36718669 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231154887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Demoralization has been extensively studied in oncology and palliative care settings, and is characterized by a loss of meaning and purpose in life, a sense of powerlessness over life events, and a sense of helplessness. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize the prevalence, associated factors, and adverse outcomes of demoralization in cancer patients by reviewing the literature of the last decade. Seven databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases) were systematically searched from January 2012 to June 2022. Roughly speaking, the prevalence of demoralization in cancer patients ranges from 13.50% to 49.4%. A total of 45 factors are associated with demoralization, of which psychological factors have been studied more frequently in the last decade. There are nine outcomes related to demoralization, with the strongest evidence for the correlation between demoralization and suicidal ideation. The study emphasizes the complexity of factors associated with demoralization in cancer patients. There appears to be a intersection between the constructs of demoralization and depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, which may explain the correlation between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejuan Wang
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haichao Sun
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoying Ji
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qiwei Wu
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jinrong Wei
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Department of Nursing, Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, China
| | - Pingting Zhu
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Woźniewicz A, Cosci F. Clinical utility of demoralization: A systematic review of the literature. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 99:102227. [PMID: 36462221 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Demoralization is a complex clinical phenomenon which has raised a growing interest in clinical and research realms. The present systematic review of the literature aimed at (1) updating on demoralization prevalence in different populations, (2) identifying the instruments more largely used to assess demoralization, and (3) verifying whether new tools of assessment have been proposed. PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception to April 2022. Search terms were: demoralization/demoralized/demoralizing/demoralised/demoralising. PRISMA guidelines were followed. GRADE rating system was used. A total of 188 papers were included. Demoralization appeared to be a distinctive psychological state common in medical, psychiatric, and non-clinical settings, thus not limited to life-threatening diseases. Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) and Demoralization Scale (DS) are the most commonly used tools to assess it. DCPR allow to diagnose demoralization as a manifestation of dealing with chronic stress. DS captures dimensionally a psychological distress related to end of life. Demoralization is associated with clinical features encompassing allostatic overload, quality of life, wellbeing/euthymia. Implications on health outcomes and treatment are discussed. Demoralization warrants careful consideration in clinical contexts through valid assessment procedures. DCPR are recommended to diagnose it, DS can be helpful to capture clinical details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Woźniewicz
- Department of Geriatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Jurija Gagarina 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, via di San salvi n. 12, Florence, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, PO Box 616 6200, MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Schipper S, Nigam K, Piechotta V, Ljuslin M, Beaussant Y, Schwarzer G, Boehlke C. Psychedelic/entactogen‐assisted therapy for treatment of anxiety, depression and existential distress in adult palliative care. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2022; 2022:CD015383. [PMCID: PMC9677948 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the benefits and harms of psychedelic/entactogen‐assisted therapy compared to placebo or active comparators (e.g. antidepressants) for treatment of anxiety, depression, and existential distress in adult palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kabir Nigam
- Department of PsychiatryBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonUSA
| | - Vanessa Piechotta
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cochrane HaematologyFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Michael Ljuslin
- Palliative Medicine Division, Department of Rehabilitation and GeriatricsGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative CareDana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUSA,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUSA
| | - Yvan Beaussant
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative CareDana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUSA
| | - Guido Schwarzer
- Institute of Medical Biometry and StatisticsFaculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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Gan LL, Gong S, Kissane DW. Mental state of demoralisation across diverse clinical settings: A systematic review, meta-analysis and proposal for its use as a 'specifier' in mental illness. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1104-1129. [PMID: 34879712 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211060746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Demoralisation is a state of poor coping characterised by low morale, hopelessness, subjective incompetence, and loss of meaning and purpose in life. While studied extensively in oncology and palliative care, there has been recent exploration in broader medical and mental health settings. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of demoralisation and associated sociodemographic and psychological factors across these clinical settings. METHOD Six electronic databases were used to locate articles from January 2014 to March 2020. A pre-publication update of non-oncology populations was completed in September 2021. The review has been reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Pooled prevalence of demoralisation was determined through % prevalence and mean demoralisation score; this was synthesised through meta-analysis of single means to determine pooled mean prevalence of Demoralisation Scale scores using the 'R' statistical software. RESULTS Demoralisation has been examined in 52 studies (n = 11,670) and found to be prevalent in 24-35% of oncology and non-oncology, including mental health, populations. The mean score on the Demoralisation Scale was 24.3 (95% confidence interval, CI = [21.3, 27.3]). There was evidence of divergent validity in addition to significant comorbidity between depression, demoralisation and suicidal ideation. Burdensome physical symptoms, and psychological and demographic factors are strongly correlated with demoralisation. CONCLUSION There remains a need to recognise demoralisation in various clinical and cultural settings and to strongly consider its inclusion as a 'specifier' within formal nosological systems for adjustment and depressive disorders. This is important to initiate targeted interventions and prevent significant morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy L Gan
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Susanna Gong
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - David W Kissane
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia and Cunningham Centre for Palliative Medicine Research, St Vincent's Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cabrini Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Philipp R, Krüger A, Lindner R, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Vehling S. Understanding avoidant attachment in a patient with terminal cancer: a psychoanalytic perspective. PSYCHOANALYTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02668734.2021.2022744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Philipp
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Krüger
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sigrun Vehling
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Jewett PI, Vogel RI, Galchutt P, Everson-Rose SA, Teoh D, Radomski M, Blaes AH. Associations between a sense of connection and existential and psychosocial outcomes in gynecologic and breast cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:3329-3336. [PMID: 34985561 PMCID: PMC8727470 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06784-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A cancer diagnosis may lead to existential despair but potentially also to perceived inner growth. This growth may be fostered through meaningful connections with others. We sought to describe existential and related psychosocial outcomes and their association with a sense of connection with others in individuals with gynecological and breast cancers. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from two ongoing cohort studies of gynecologic (N = 236) and breast (N = 62) cancer survivors at the University of Minnesota. We summarized self-reported post-traumatic growth (PTG), sense of meaning, peace, spirituality, hopelessness, loneliness, and three exploratory measures of sense of connections with others, and used multivariate linear regression models to describe the associations between them. RESULTS Hope, sense of meaning, peace, and spirituality were generally high among participants, but PTG and loneliness scores varied more. Sense of connection with others was consistently associated with greater PTG and decreased loneliness with medium effect sizes: for example having positive interactions with most/all versus nobody on one's medical team, PTG (coefficient 10.49, 95% CI: 4.10, 16.87, Cohen's D 0.44); loneliness (coefficient - 0.85, 95% CI: - 1.36, - 0.34, Cohen's D 0.43). Those who knew someone in a similar life situation felt a strong sense of connection with such a person; however, 28% of participants had not met anyone in a similar situation. CONCLUSIONS There may be untapped opportunities to nurture beneficial existential outcomes in cancer survivors. Potential interventions include connecting survivors with one another and creating opportunities for more authentic patient-provider relationships, for example, within palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia I Jewett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware Street SE MMC 480, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Rachel I Vogel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul Galchutt
- Spiritual Health Services, M Health Fairview, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Susan A Everson-Rose
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, and Program in Health Disparities Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Deanna Teoh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mary Radomski
- Courage Kenny Research, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anne H Blaes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware Street SE MMC 480, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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Reflecting on meaning in an existential-reorientation group psychotherapy approach for cancer patients: A qualitative thematic analysis. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:313-320. [PMID: 34275498 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521000936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to evaluate, in the Italian cultural context, breast cancer patients' main meaning themes related to the experience of the disease, on the one side, and to be part of an existentially oriented group intervention, on the other. METHOD A short reorientation-existential (RET) group intervention, structured by using some tools and background from cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) and based on the meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) existential framework, was delivered to 29 breast cancer patients. The sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, with the narratives from reflective exercises (meaning of the journey cancer, meaning of the journey of intervention) uploaded to computer software NVivo 11. Analysis of the transcripts emerged from reflective exercises on the personal meaning of cancer and the letters of meaning (goodbye letter) written by the patients to express the meaning of their experience in the group was conducted through the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework. RESULTS Four superordinate themes were identified in the exercise meaning of the experience of cancer, namely "sense of stigma and loneliness (the foreigner)," "guilt (unjust guilt and anticipatory guilt)," "reconsidering one's own life and nostalgia," and "rebirth (a new life, life after life)." Three superordinate themes were found in the meaning of the group experience in the letters, namely "togetherness and gratitude," "legacy," and "acceptance." SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The study confirmed that a short group intervention, based on the existentially oriented framework and delivered in a public clinical healthcare setting, was enriched by focusing on the personal meaning of cancer. Some themes, such as loneliness, nostalgia, and rebirth, emerged during reflection giving, in written letters to participants, the sense of the group therapeutic experience.
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Quintero Garzón L, Hinz A, Koranyi S, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A. Norm Values and Psychometric Properties of the 24-Item Demoralization Scale (DS-I) in a Representative Sample of the German General Population. Front Psychol 2021; 12:681977. [PMID: 34194373 PMCID: PMC8236510 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.681977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The Demoralization scale (DS-I) is a validated and frequently used instrument to assess existential distress in patients with cancer and other severe medical illness. The purpose of this study was to provide normative values derived from a representative German general population sample and to analyze the correlational structure of the DS-I. Methods: A representative sample of the adult German general population completed the DS-I (24 Items), the Emotion Thermometers (ET) measuring distress, anxiety, depression, anger, need for help, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-fatigue). Results: The sample consists of N = 2,407 adults (mean age = 49.8; range = 18–94 years), 55.7% women). The percentages of participants above the DS-I cutoff (≥30) was 13.5%. The mean scores of the DS-I dimensions were as follows: (1) loss of meaning and purpose: M = 2.78 SD = 4.49; (2) disheartenment: M = 3.19 SD = 4.03; (3) dysphoria M = 4.51 SD = 3.20; (4) sense of failure: M = 6.24 SD = 3.40; and for the DS-I total score: M = 16.72 SD = 12.74. Women reported significantly higher levels of demoralization than men, with effect sizes between d = 0.09 (Loss of Meaning) and d = 0.21 (Dysphoria). Age was not associated with demoralization in our sample. DS-I reliability was excellent (α = 0.94) and DS-I subscales were interrelated (r between 0.31 and 0.87) and significantly correlated with ET, especially depression, anxiety, and need for help and fatigue (r between 0.14 and 0.69). Conclusions: In order to use the DS-I as a screening tool in clinical practice and research the normative values are essential for comparing the symptom burden of groups of patients within the health care system to the general population. Age and sex differences between groups of patients can be accounted for using the presented normative scores of the DS-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonhard Quintero Garzón
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Hinz
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susan Koranyi
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Philipp R, Kalender A, Härter M, Bokemeyer C, Oechsle K, Koch U, Vehling S. Existential distress in patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers: study protocol of a longitudinal cohort study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046351. [PMID: 33895716 PMCID: PMC8074557 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At the end of life, patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers may confront multiple existential concerns. Despite the strong potential to alleviate existential distress through psychosocial interventions, existential distress and its impact on healthcare outcomes have not yet been studied systematically. We aim to investigate the frequency, longitudinal trajectory and predictive impact of existential distress on end-of-life outcomes. We further aim to determine patients' and caregivers' specific need for and utilisation of psychosocial support for existential distress. METHODS This longitudinal cohort study will consecutively recruit 500 patients with advanced cancer and 500 caregivers from oncological outpatient and inpatient clinics. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires (sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics, existential distress, end-of-life outcomes, resources and support needs) at five points of assessment (at baseline and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months). At baseline and 6-month follow-up, we will conduct structured diagnostic interviews to assess mental disorders. Statistical analyses will include descriptive statistics to determine the prevalence of existential distress, mental disorders and end-of-life outcomes; multiple linear and logistic regression analyses to calculate the predictive impact of existential distress on end-of-life outcomes; and growth mixture models to analyse longitudinal trajectories of existential distress. DISCUSSION This study will provide comprehensive knowledge about patients' and caregivers' existential concerns. The longitudinal empirical data will allow for conclusions concerning the frequency and course of existential distress throughout 1 year. This important extension of existing cross-sectional research will contribute to further develop targeted psychosocial interventions. Profiles of existential distress may be applied by clinicians from multiple professions and help to address existential concerns effectively. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by the institutional research ethics committee (reference number LPEK-0177). Results will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Other forms of dissemination will include sharing results on the psychometric properties of the structured demoralisation interview with international research groups and communication with healthcare professionals providing psychosocial treatment for patients and caregivers. Following scientific standards, our progress will be regularly updated on ClinicalTrials.gov. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04600206.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Philipp
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Kalender
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karin Oechsle
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, Palliative Care Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Koch
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sigrun Vehling
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Philipp R, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Koranyi S, Härter M, Vehling S. The role of attachment avoidance: A longitudinal mediation model predicting existential distress in patients with advanced cancer. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1059-1067. [PMID: 33507601 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although a protective effect of reliable interpersonal relationships on existential distress has been established, evidence remains inconclusive for attachment insecurity as an underlying factor of persistent psychological distress. We tested a longitudinal model hypothesizing attachment avoidance as a mediator of high demoralization and anxiety over time. METHODS We studied 206 patients with advanced cancer (mean age = 59.6, 61% female) participating in an intervention trial. Patients completed self-report measures for demoralization, anxiety, perceived relatedness, attachment insecurity, and death anxiety. Our mediated path model included perceived relatedness and death anxiety at baseline as predictors, attachment avoidance at baseline as mediator, and demoralization and anxiety at 6-month follow-up (N = 125) as outcomes. RESULTS Attachment avoidance partially mediated the relationship between death anxiety and demoralization (β = 0.07, 95% CI 0.02-0.12) and anxiety (β = 0.05, 95% CI 0.001-0.10). Findings for perceived relatedness were less conclusive. Its indirect effects through attachment avoidance were significant for both outcomes (demoralization: β = -0.07, 95% CI -0.13 to -0.02, anxiety: β = -0.05, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.003). CONCLUSIONS Due to its trait-like quality, attachment avoidance may play a less central role in explaining the course of existential distress over time than previous research indicated. Addressing change-sensitive relational concerns in psychosocial interventions may be more effective to alleviate existential distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Philipp
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susan Koranyi
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sigrun Vehling
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Hematology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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11
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Lu CL, Li X, Zhou HM, Zhang C, Yang YY, Feng RL, Long CJ, Deng FY, Li JC, Cao ZM, Mao QY, Zhu JP, Hong YF, Huang SY, Qiu JY, Liu YX, Wang Y, Yan YQ, Dong JM, Luo YX, Chen YM, Guan YJ, Wieland LS, Robinson N, Liu JP. Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Care: An Overview of 5834 Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Chinese. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 20:15347354211031650. [PMID: 34261372 PMCID: PMC8287414 DOI: 10.1177/15347354211031650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely integrated into cancer care in China. An overview in 2011 identified 2384 randomized and non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs, non-RCTs) on TCM for cancer published in the Chinese literature. This article summarizes updated evidence of RCTs on TCM for cancer care. METHODS We searched 4 main Chinese databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, SinoMed, and Wanfang. RCTs on TCM used in cancer care were analyzed in this bibliometric study. RESULTS Of 5834 RCTs (477 157 cancer patients), only 62 RCTs were indexed in MEDLINE. The top 3 cancers treated were lung, stomach, and breast cancer. About 4752 RCTs (81.45%) tested TCM combined with conventional treatment, and 1082 RCTs (18.55%) used TCM alone for treating symptoms and side-effects. Herbal medicine was the most frequently used TCM modality (5087 RCTs; 87.20%). The most frequently reported outcome was symptom improvement (3712 RCTs; 63.63%) followed by quality of life (2725 RCTs; 46.71%), and biomarkers (2384 RCTs; 40.86%). The majority of RCTs (4051; 69.44%) concluded there were beneficial effects using either TCM alone or TCM plus conventional treatment compared with conventional treatment. CONCLUSION Substantial randomized trials demonstrated different types/stages of cancer were treated by various TCM modalities, alone or in combination with conventional medicine. Further evaluation on the effects and safety of TCM modalities focusing on outcomes such as quality of life is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Li Lu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | - Xun Li
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhou
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University
of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | | | - Ru-Li Feng
- Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing
University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chao-Jun Long
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | | | - Jing-Chun Li
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University
of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ze-Ming Cao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Yuan Mao
- Guang’anmen Hospital of China Academy
of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Pu Zhu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Fei Hong
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | - Shou-Yu Huang
- Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of
Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Ying Qiu
- Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of
Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xiu Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing
University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- China Press of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qian Yan
- University Hospital Zürich, Zurich,
Switzerland
| | - Jia-Min Dong
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xin Luo
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Meng Chen
- Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing
University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Jie Guan
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
| | | | - Nicola Robinson
- Institute of Health and Social Care,
London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Jian-Ping Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,
Beijing, China
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