6 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an online expressive storytelling intervention for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. * Specific Aim 1. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a 5-week online expressive storytelling intervention. We will (a) conduct a 1-group pre- and post-test study with 20 AYA with cancer and (b) examine feasibility and acceptability through study enrollment rates, retention rates, usability score, adherence and data collection rates, satisfaction score, perceived benefits score, and intervention fidelity. \*Hypothesis 1: We will reach following feasibility and acceptability benchmarks: (a) \>70% enrollment of eligible participants, (b) \>70% retention, (c) \>75% adherence and data collection, (d) \>70 out of 100 usability score, (e) \>5 out of 7 satisfaction score, (f) \>average 5 on the perceived benefits score, and (g) \>3 out of 4 fidelity score. * Specific Aim 2. To assess preliminary efficacy of a 5-week online expressive storytelling intervention. * Hypothesis 2: AYA participants will report lower psychosocial distress, higher health-related quality of life, and higher well-being scores postintervention.
This proposal examines trauma and growth responses in the childhood cancer experience. It addresses a number of gaps and unanswered questions in the literature, while integrating several distinct but related lines of research. The rationale for this proposal is outlined briefly as follows: 1. Traumatic stress models focused on pathology dominate pediatric psychosocial oncology research despite empiric evidence of low levels of post-traumatic stress in this population. 2. The assumption of 'cancer as a traumatic event' has biased research designs (including lack of control comparisons) to focus on deficits and pathological outcomes. 3. This deficit-oriented approach has stimulated the development of interventions to treat or prevent PTSD, which may be unnecessary or even harmful. 4. Theoretical and empiric evidence suggests that a more common response to traumatic stress is growth and positive change, but posttraumatic growth phenomenon have been understudied in pediatric populations. 5. Cognitive and personality factors are important determinants of PTSD and positive growth outcomes, and some constructs from positive psychology theory may be particularly relevant in children with cancer. 6. Empirically, parents of children with cancer appear to be at higher risk of PTSD/PTSS, although results are not unequivocal, and the same research biases have applied to parental outcomes. This proposal includes assessment of parental PTSS and PTG, both as an outcome and a predictor of child outcomes.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a well-documented phenomenon that occurs in cancer survivors. PTSD is known to cause problems with anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Furthermore, there is little treatment available for cancer survivors who suffer from PTSD. Posttraumatic Growth, however, is a lesser known phenomenon that also occurs in cancer survivors. It is a positive psychological phenomenon that occurs in some people who have suffered a traumatic event--the people who are able to note a "greater appreciation for life", a "stronger relationship with their family/friends," or a "new found level of spirituality" are examples of instances of posttraumatic growth. Coping with Lymphoma to Enhance Adjustment and Reduce Stress in Survivors (CLEAR Stress) is a study designed to compare the development of PTSD versus the development of Posttraumatic Growth in lymphoma patients at any stage of the cancer experience, regardless of treatment. The hypothesis is that posttraumatic growth, if it is significant, can reduce the impact of PTSD symptoms in the survivor.
The PI developed the Image Narrative Intervention (INI) based on the research using visual images in which visual images and narratives were found to support trauma survivors in narrating their experiences and in meaning making. The proposed study is the first study to test the therapeutic effect of the INI program. The investigators propose to assess, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the feasibility and preliminary effect of the INI through a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) design with a wait list control.
Nurses working in home and hospice care settings find their roles emotionally challenging and are at high risk for trauma, strain and fatigue. Such sufferings were high among nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our study tested the effectiveness of a self-reflexive wellness intervention to promote resilience, posttraumatic growth and subjective wellbeing among nurses. Participants were divided in three different groups. One group did not intervention whereas the other two were assigned writing 2 blogs each week and attending a wellness workshop. Findings showed that writing weekly blogs helped nurses to be self reflexive about their feelings, generated self-awareness and improved their wellbeing.
The ICU is a stressful and challenging place for patients and their families. Many family members experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder during and after their ICU experience. The investigators are studying post-traumatic growth in this study. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a set of positive changes that occurs after a challenging or difficult life experience. This study investigates the effects of expressive writing on positive changes that occur after a difficult experience. PTG will be compared between the intervention group receiving the expressive writing intervention and the control group (non-expressive or fact based writing).