Stress Management or Post-traumatic Growth Facilitation to Diminish Distress in Cancer Survivors? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) and positive psychotherapy in cancer (PPC) to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and distress, and to promote post-traumatic growth (PTG) in cancer survivors. Participants were 140 adult women randomly allocated to CBSM (n = 73) or PPC (n = 67). PTSS, distress, and PTG were assessed at pre- and post-intervention, and at 3- and 12-month follow-ups. Analysis showed PPC was more effective in decreasing PTSS (b = -7.61, p < .001) and distress (b = -3.66; p < .001) than CBSM, but neither therapy significantly increased PTG (b = 0.77, p = .76). The relational veracity of PTG and its role predicting reduced PTSS was observed only in the PPC arm. In conclusion, PPC appears to be a valid therapeutic option for assimilating and accommodating the experience of cancer after treatment completion.