Treating Persistent Distress and Anxiety in Parents of Children with Cancer: An Initial Feasibility Trial

Authors

Carrie Masia, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Kristy Ludwig, New York UniversityFollow
Corinne Sweeney, New York University
Clare Spillane, New York University
Laura Hogan, New York University
Julie Ryan, William James College
William Carroll, New York University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2011

Journal / Book Title

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing

Abstract

Persistent anxiety is common among parents of children with cancer and may affect the family's well-being and adjustment. The goals of this pilot study are to determine the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief cognitive-behavioral parent intervention aimed at reducing parental distress and anxiety related to their child's cancer diagnosis. Parents of children with cancer, least 1 month postdiagnosis, were screened at an outpatient oncology clinic, and those reporting elevated levels of distress were offered a 4-session cognitive-behavioral intervention based on a modified version of the Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program-Newly Diagnosed. Five parents reporting persistent distress received the intervention. Results revealed decreases in parents' distress, state anxiety, and depressive symptoms, well as in parents' feelings of burden associated with their children's cancer. This initial study suggests that identification of parents with prolonged heightened psychological distress is feasible and acceptable and that offering them a brief intervention within a pediatric oncology setting may be beneficial.

DOI

10.1177/1043454211408105

MSU Digital Commons Citation

Masia, Carrie; Ludwig, Kristy; Sweeney, Corinne; Spillane, Clare; Hogan, Laura; Ryan, Julie; and Carroll, William, "Treating Persistent Distress and Anxiety in Parents of Children with Cancer: An Initial Feasibility Trial" (2011). Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 555.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/psychology-facpubs/555

Published Citation

Warner CM, Ludwig K, Sweeney C, et al. Treating Persistent Distress and Anxiety in Parents of Children With Cancer: An Initial Feasibility Trial. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing. 2011;28(4):224-230. doi:10.1177/1043454211408105