Kissane, D.W., Bloch, S., Smith, G.C., Miach, P., Clarke, D.M., Ikin, J., . . . McKenzie, D. (2003). Cognitive-existential group psychotherapy for women with primary breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Psycho-Oncology, 12, 532–546.
The intervention was cognitive-existential therapy (CEGT) provided in nine Australian hospitals. Existential themes of anxiety about death and uncertainty were incorporated into six goals of therapy: promoting a supportive environment, facilitating grief work over multiple losses, altering maladaptive cognitive patterns, enhancing problem-solving and coping skills, fostering a sense of mastery, and sorting out priorities for the future. The CEGT group had 20 weekly sessions, 90 minutes each, over six months. The control group had three 50-minute relaxation classes using progressive muscle relaxation with guided imagery. Measurements were taken at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after the intervention. The intervention was offered by 15 therapists recruited from psychiatry, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, and oncology nursing staff. All therapists received specialized training and supervision through a series of workshops using 68-page manual.
Nine Australian hospitals
A randomized controlled trial/longitudinal study design was used.