Cancer and aging: Reflections for elders- Expressive writing intervention: A pilot study

摘要

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% al 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- 031). 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. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.