Psycho-spiritual integrative therapy for women with primary breast cancer

J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2011 Mar;18(1):78-90. doi: 10.1007/s10880-011-9224-9.

Abstract

Breast cancer presents physical and psychological challenges, but can also result in posttraumatic growth (PTG). Twenty-four women completed Psycho-Spiritual Integrative Therapy (PSIT) treatment and completed assessments for PTG and QOL before, immediately following, and 1 month after treatment. Women showed improvement (p < .01) on the FACT-B (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast) Physical Well-being, Emotional Well-being, and Functional Well-being subscales, on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) Depression, Anger, and Fatigue subscales (p < .05), and on their POMS Tension, Vigor and Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) scores (p < .01). Also, women showed improvement on the FACIT-Sp-Ex (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual) Meaning/Peace subscale, the Spiritual Well-being total scale (p < .01), and on the New Possibilities (p < .01) and Personal Strength (p < .05) subscales of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). This preliminary study suggests that PSIT may improve well being and stimulate PTG in breast cancer patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / psychology
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / psychology
  • Carcinoma, Lobular / psychology
  • Emotions
  • Existentialism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Meditation
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics
  • Psychotherapy, Brief / methods*
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Spirituality*