| Abstract: |
This chapter illustrates the complex interactions between cancer and the quality of family relationships, delineates the state of the literature on family interventions and screening, describes the family-focused grief therapy (FFGT) model (a prophylactic family-based intervention that begins during palliative care and continues into bereavement for high-risk families), and integrates empirically supported clinical recommendations for interventions to treat families at high risk for worse psychosocial outcomes. In addition to research findings, the chapter offers anecdotal commentary from our experiences in working with families coping with cancer. For the most part, the authors have opted to discuss interventions appropriate for multiple family members rather than dyads. Given the high proportion of primary caregivers who are family members, the development and study of FFGT included a large number of caregivers at its foundation. The authors believe FFGT is an appropriate treatment for caregivers who are at risk for worse psychosocial outcomes. Other effective family-based interventions for caregivers are also currently available. In addition, there are promising shifts on the horizon for family caregiver intervention research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved) |
