Cohen, M., & Fried, G. (2007). Comparing relaxation training and cognitive-behavioral group therapy for women with breast cancer. Research on Social Work Practice, 17, 313–323.
To compare the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) group intervention versus a relaxation and guided imagery (RGI) group training intervention.
The intervention groups received nine 90-minute weekly sessions, and the control group received standard care. The outcomes measured were psychological distress, sleep, fatigue, and health locus of control.
Oncology center in northern Israel
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
This was a randomized, controlled trial.
GSI and perceived stress decreased in both intervention groups but not in the control group. Means of fatigue symptoms and sleep difficulties decreased in both intervention groups but only significantly in the RGI group. External health locus of control decreased more in the CBT group. No differences were observed among groups in internal locus of control. Participants in the RGI group reported significantly higher self-practice adherence at home than did those in the CBT group.
A study design with four groups—CBT, RGI, combined CBT and RGI, and control—could shed light on whether combining CBT and RGI is more advantageous than delivering either intervention individually.