Meaning-centered group psychotherapy in Portuguese cancer patients: A pilot exploratory trial

Abstract Objective To describe the feasibility of a meaning-centered group psychotherapy (MCGP) adaptation in sample Portuguese cancer patients. Method The study was carried out according to four steps: 1st — Transcultural and validation ( focus groups); 2nd Preliminary with MCGP original version (to test its feasibility); 3rd Adaptation 4-session (and internal pilot study); 4th Pilot exploratory trial (MCGP-4 session version), implemented between January 1, 2018 December 31, 2019. Inclusion criteria were >18 years, psychological complaints, difficulty adapt cancer. Allocation participants’ preference: vs. care as usual (CAU). Primary outcomes were: adapted improved quality life (QoL) spiritual well-being; secondary improvement depression, anxiety, distress. Assessments done at baseline (T1) 1 month after (T2), self-report socio-demographic clinical questionnaires, Distress Thermometer (DT), McGill Quality Life Questionnaire (MQOL), Functional Assessment Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, subscales (HADS HADS-D, HADS-A). Results In step, through groups, manual reformulated tested. preliminary (2nd step) showed high number dropouts which could jeopardize and, reframing sessions content, version, tested by an (3rd step). (4th had 91 participants. Most characteristics groups (51: MCGP; 40: CAU) no statistically significant differences. A comparison two T2 that scored significantly higher general U = 552.00, P < 0.001), existential 727.50, 0.018) domains total score 717.50, 0.015) QoL, CAU presented statistical levels DT 608.50, 0.001). Comparing T1 T2, Z −3.67, 0.001) psychosocial −2.89, 0.004) −2.71, 0.007) decrease −2.40, 0.016). terms effects, increased b 1.42, 0.001, η 2 p 0.179), support 0.80, 0.045, 0.048) 0.81, 0.013, 0.073) QoL (small elevated dimensions), decreased depression −1.14, 0.044, 0.048), distress −1.38, 0.127) medium compared CAU. At participants who attended ≥3 n 38) domain 130.50, 0.009) comparing those or 13). Significance results This supports benefits improving psychologic well-being. More studies are necessary address limitations this trial, small size.