The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a brief psychotherapy intervention to improve psychosocial coping and maintain couple relationships among young adults (aged 25-39) with cancer and their caregiving partners.
Young adults (YA) with cancer have unique challenges in coping, and their primary partners may experience burden and low self-efficacy related to caregiving. In this single-arm pilot trial, the investigators shall deliver an eight-session intervention to YAs with cancer and their self-identified partners who provide caregiving. The intervention is founded on principles from cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples-focused interventions, tailored for YA. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, which will inform refinements prior to a larger-scale clinical trial. This study will include 10 YAs and their partner-caregivers (N=20). Participants will complete surveys at baseline and after the intervention, and will be invited to complete optional semi-structured exit interviews.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
This intervention is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples' therapy. It aims to improve cancer and caregiving-related self-efficacy and coping, as well as promote relationship maintenance in context of cancer. The intervention will be delivered by a trained mental health practitioner and include didactics, experiential exercises, and home practice.
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGEmerson Hospital/MGH Cancer Center
Concord, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGMass General at North Shore Cancer Center
Danvers, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGMass General at Newton Wellesley Hospital
Newton, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGFeasibility of Intervention
Feasibility will be measured by measured by participant rates of enrollment (≥50% of those eligible), participant retention (≥70% of those enrolled), and intervention attendance (≥70% attending at least 6 of 8 sessions).
Time frame: 14 +/- 2 Weeks
Acceptability of Intervention
Acceptability with be measured by satisfaction with the intervention as rated on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. The intervention will be deemed acceptable if ≥75% of participants report average satisfaction that exceeds the CSQ's midpoint.
Time frame: 14 +/- 2 Weeks
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