Brief report: an intervention program for parents of pediatric cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a psychoeducational intervention program for parents of pediatric cancer patients, using cognitive and behavioral techniques.


METHODS
Parents were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 39) and a control condition (n = 42). Baseline assessment took place at diagnosis. Short-term effects were measured immediately after the intervention, long-term effects six months later. Control parents received standard care. Intervention parents received, in addition, a manual-guided program during the first six months following the diagnosis.


RESULTS
With time all parents became significantly less psychologically distressed. However, no between-group differences were noted in psychological functioning, satisfaction with support, and intensity of emotions immediately postintervention and six months later.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the clinical evaluation of the intervention was positive, it appeared that a structured intervention program as described in this study was not any more effective than standard care.
Hoekstra-Weebers
J E
JE
Department of Medical Psychology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands. h.j.hoekstra@pi.net
Heuvel
F
F
Jaspers
J P
JP
Kamps
W A
WA
Klip
E C
EC
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms; D009426:Netherlands; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies