Cancer and aging: Reflections for elders- Expressive writing intervention: A pilot study Journal Article
| Authors: | Tutino, R. C.; Saracino, R. M.; Kelman, J.; Schofield, E. A.; Roth, A. J.; Nelson, C. J. |
| Article Title: | Cancer and aging: Reflections for elders- Expressive writing intervention: A pilot study |
| Abstract: | Objectives: The Cancer and Aging: Reflections for Elders Expressive Writing Intervention (CARE-Express) was developed to enhance coping and minimize psychological distress in older adults with cancer. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the feasibility and initial efficacy of CARE-Express. Materials and Methods: Seventy-one distressed older adults (≥70) with cancer were assigned to CARE-Express (n = 41) or the Enhanced Social Work Control (ESWC) arm (n = 30). Participants completed five telephone sessions over seven weeks and were assessed on psychosocial variables at baseline, post-intervention, and four months post study enrollment. Feasibility was assessed by examining rates of eligibility, acceptance, retention, assessment, and fidelity. Initial efficacy was evaluated using standardized effect sizes. Results: Adequate rates of acceptance (29%), eligibility (66%), retention (90%), assessment (70% at post-intervention, 63% at four month follow-up), and fidelity (97%) were observed. At post-intervention, participants receiving CARE-Express reported less depression compared to ESWC (d = 0.69, p = 0.01) and lower demoralization (d = 0.50, p = 0.06). A small/moderate effect was demonstrated for increased total spirituality scores (d = 0.41, p = 0.07), meaning/peace (d = 0.32, p = 0.20) and faith (d = 0.35, p = 0.07). The CARE-Express group reported greater reductions in behavioral disengagement (d = 0.44, p = 0.06), while ESWC demonstrated a small effect for active coping (d = 0.21, p = 0.31). At four months, differential effects of CARE-Express had attenuated, though small/moderate, effects in favor of CARE-Express remained. Conclusion: Results support the feasibility of CARE-Express and its potential positive impact on psychological well-being. Trial registration: Registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) #NCT00984321 on September 25, 2009. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd |
| Keywords: | aged; neoplasm; neoplasms; psychology; oncology; adaptation, psychological; pilot study; pilot projects; aging; coping behavior; writing; psychological distress; expressive writing; older adults; cancer; humans; human; expressive writing intervention; phone intervention |
| Journal Title: | Journal of Geriatric Oncology |
| Volume: | 13 |
| Issue: | 5 |
| ISSN: | 1879-4068 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Inc. |
| Date Published: | 2022-06-01 |
| Start Page: | 706 |
| End Page: | 714 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.02.009 |
| PUBMED: | 35246404 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC10108097 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | MSK author Rebecca Mary James is listed as Rebecca M. Saracino in publisher record and PDF -- Article -- Export Date: 1 July 2022 -- Source: Scopus |
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
Related MSK Work