This study tests the efficacy of an 8-week, Skype-based, group resiliency training intervention (The Relaxation Response Resiliency Program) for improving psychological stress in patients with Neurofibromatosis. A control group will receive a general health education curriculum. The investigators hypothesize that patients will improve on measures of psychological stress as a result of the resiliency program. A substudy (Unique Protocol ID: 2013P002605b) has been approved to test this study on a sub-population: patients with NF2 who are hard of hearing.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
65
8-week group intervention, delivered via Skype, teaching relaxation and psychological resiliency enhancing skills. Topics include the relaxation response, meditation, and yoga.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Satisfaction with Life (SWL)
The Satisfaction with Life (SWL) scale is a reliable and valid 5-item self-report measure of global life satisfaction. Responses are made on a 7-point scale with higher scores reflecting higher life satisfaction.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF)
The WHOQOL-BREF comprises of 26 items which measure the following broad domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. The WHOQOL-BREF is a shorter version of the original instrument that may be more convenient for use in large research studies or clinical trials.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
The PSS is a widely used psychological instrument for the measurement of the perception of stress. This 10-itam scale is designed to measure the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised, or considered stressful. The scores range from 0-40, with a higher score indicating higher perceived stress. Items were designed to detect how unpredictable, uncontrollable and overloaded respondents find their lives.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)
The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is widely used to assess cognitive and affective responses to pain and to evaluate pain management program outcomes.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Pain Numerical Rating Scale (Pain NRS)
The Pain NRS is a scale for patient self-reporting measurements of pain. The measure was depicted by REINS as a standard measure to use in Neurofibromatosis clinical trials.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Patient Health Quesionnaire (PHQ)
The PHQ measures symptoms of depression and functional impairment.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)
The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) allows patients to rate the severity of their pain (BPI-S) and the degree to which their pain interferes with common dimensions of feeling and function (BPI-I).
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale (CAMS)
The CAMS measures the degree to which individuals experience their thoughts and feelings.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PGI)
The PGI is an instrument for assessing positive outcomes reported by persons who have experienced traumatic events.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)
The IRI assesses the cognitive and affective dimensions of empathy.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Distress Analogue Scales
The Distress Analogue Scales measure participants' levels of stress, coping, distress, and discomfort.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32). Also administered at mid-interevention, before each group session.
Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) has been widely used to assess a person's average level of daytime sleepiness in daily life.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Measure of Current Status (MOCS-A)
The MOCS-A is a 13-item measure assessing participants' current self-perceived status on several skills such as: the ability to relax at will, recognize stress-inducing situations, restructure maladaptive thoughts, be assertive about needs, and choose appropriate coping responses as needed. Responses are made on a 7-point scale with higher scores reflecting higher life satisfaction.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Life Orientation Test (LOT) Optimism Scale
The LOT Optimism Scale measures individual differences in generalized optimism versus pessimism.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
The Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6)
The GQ-6 revised is a 6-item measure that assesses individual differences in the proneness to experience gratitude in daily life. Scores range from 6-42, with a higher score indicating a greater sense of gratitude.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Fatigue Scale (FACIT-Fatigue)
The FACIT-Fatigue measures participants' tiredness, weakness, and difficulty conducting usual activities due to fatigue.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Spirituality Scale (FACIT-Sp)
The FACIT-Sp measures participants' spiritual well-being (sense of meaning in life and the sense of strength in one's faith) over the past 7 days.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey
The MOS Social Support Survey measures various dimensions of social support.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
The 14-Item Resiliency Scale (RS-14)
The RS-14 measures stress coping ability in the face of adversity.
Time frame: Change between Baseline (week 0), Post-intervention (week 8) and Follow Up (week 32)
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