Psychological support focused on cancer survivors' meaning and values in life: A randomized controlled trial

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K20323
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0110:Psychology and related fields
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: Hata Kotone 早稲田大学, 人間科学学術院, 助教 (60962355)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Psycho-oncology / Activity restriciton / Depression / Anxiety / Self-help program / Values

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of psychological support for cancer survivors to aim a fulfilled life in line with their meaning in life and values. The main results of this study include the identification of the mechanisms by which activity restriction in cancer survivors lowers their environmental reward and exacerbates depression through an observational study. This examination of this model was essential to support the action mechanism of the present program. We were also able to finalize the interventionist training manual for the trial, the program booklet to be used, and the patient support group to conduct recruitment. Due to difficulties in publishing the pilot study and recruiting research participants, we were unable to reach case enrollment, but will continue to conduct the randomized controlled trial.

Free Research Field

臨床心理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

がん診断直後や治療中の方への心理支援は発展してきている。一方で、がんに罹患し、時が経ってもなお抑うつ気分や不安に直面する者は多い。そのため本研究によって、がん経験者の生きがいや価値観といったポジティブな側面に着目したプログラムが開発されたことは、中長期的な療養生活を行うがん経験者への心理支援充実の一助となることが考えられる。さらに、本プログラムの作用機序である、楽しみや喜びといった報酬の知覚が低まることががん経験者の抑うつに強く影響することが認められたことで、ネガティブな認知の変容だけでなく、ポジティブな認知への着目ががん経験者の心理的苦痛の改善に寄与する可能性が示された。