Arch, J.J., & Mitchell, J.L. (2016). An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group intervention for cancer survivors experiencing anxiety at re-entry. Psycho-Oncology, 25, 610–615.
To test the hypothesis that an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group intervention would reduce anxiety and increase positive outcomes among cancer survivors at the re-entry phase
Groups were facilitated by a trained clinical psychologist and oncology social worker and provided in seven weekly two-hour sessions. Participants were assisted in cultivating awareness and acceptance of thoughts and emotions about cancer, disentangling from rigid thoughts and beliefs, clarifying personal values, and committing to pursue activities aligned with those values through experiential exercises, metaphors, discussion, and homework. Study outcomes were measured at 3.5, 2, and 0.5 weeks baseline prior to the intervention, midintervention, one week following the last session, and three months after the last session.
PHASE OF CARE: Transition phase after active treatment
Quasiexperimental
Anxiety declined following the intervention at immediate postmeasurement (p < 0.001) and three-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Depression symptoms also declined after the intervention (p < 0.001) and at three-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Fear of cancer recurrence decreased (p < 0.05) and at follow-up (p = 0.001).
The findings suggest that the group ACT intervention can help reduce anxiety and depression at healthcare re-entry among cancer survivors.
The group psychotherapy approach used here may be helpful to patients who are suffering from anxiety and/or depression after completion of initial treatment for cancer. Further research is needed.