Anao Zhang1,2, QingYing Ji3,4, Jennifer Currin-McCulloch5, Phyllis Solomon6, YuTing Chen2, Yaxi Li2, Barbara Jones5, Cynthia Franklin5, Jack Nowicki5. 1. University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 2. Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China. 3. Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China. jiqingying@scmc.com.cn. 4. Shanghai Children's Medical Center affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 101 Beiyuan Rd, Shanghai, 200127, China. jiqingying@scmc.com.cn. 5. The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Austin, TX, USA. 6. University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Given the critical role of parental care for pediatric cancer patients, this pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a hospital-based solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) intervention for reducing psychological distress among parents of pediatric cancer patients in China. Differences between treatment and active control (AC) groups were assessed on dimensions of psychological distress. Parents' level of hope was also assessed. METHODS:Participants (N = 44) were randomly assigned to SFBT or AC. Parents received four sessions of SFBT twice a week delivered by graduate-level hospital social workers. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured change in distress (depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms) of parents as well as their level of hope. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated the SFBT group had better outcomes than the AC group on overall distress of somatic, anxiety, depression symptoms and level of hope. Within- and between-group treatment effects reported significantly greater effect of the SFBT group than of the AC group. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the inherent limits of a pilot feasibility study, results suggest that SFBT is a feasible, culturally compatible, and promising intervention for alleviating distress among Chinese parents of children with cancer. Additional comprehensive trials are needed to draw more definitive conclusions. RELEVANCE: SFBT may be beneficial for improving the critical support systems of parents of pediatric cancer patients. Thus, SFBT may have the potential to enhance children's well-being during cancer treatment and recovery.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: Given the critical role of parental care for pediatric cancerpatients, this pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a hospital-based solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) intervention for reducing psychological distress among parents of pediatric cancerpatients in China. Differences between treatment and active control (AC) groups were assessed on dimensions of psychological distress. Parents' level of hope was also assessed. METHODS:Participants (N = 44) were randomly assigned to SFBT or AC. Parents received four sessions of SFBT twice a week delivered by graduate-level hospital social workers. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured change in distress (depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms) of parents as well as their level of hope. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated the SFBT group had better outcomes than the AC group on overall distress of somatic, anxiety, depression symptoms and level of hope. Within- and between-group treatment effects reported significantly greater effect of the SFBT group than of the AC group. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the inherent limits of a pilot feasibility study, results suggest that SFBT is a feasible, culturally compatible, and promising intervention for alleviating distress among Chinese parents of children with cancer. Additional comprehensive trials are needed to draw more definitive conclusions. RELEVANCE: SFBT may be beneficial for improving the critical support systems of parents of pediatric cancerpatients. Thus, SFBT may have the potential to enhance children's well-being during cancer treatment and recovery.
Authors: J Zabora; K BrintzenhofeSzoc; P Jacobsen; B Curbow; S Piantadosi; C Hooker; A Owens; L Derogatis Journal: Psychosomatics Date: 2001 May-Jun Impact factor: 2.386