Using problem-solving skills training to reduce negative affectivity in mothers of children with newly diagnosed cancer: report of a multisite randomized trial.
Mothers of children with cancer experience significant distress associated with their children's diagnosis and treatment. The efficacy of problem-solving skills training (PSST), a cognitive-behavioral intervention based on problem-solving therapy, was assessed among 430 English- and Spanish-speaking mothers of recently diagnosed patients. Participants were randomized to usual psychosocial care (UPC; n=213) or UPC plus 8 sessions of PSST (PSST; n=217). Compared with UPC mothers, PSST mothers reported significantly enhanced problem-solving skills and significantly decreased negative affectivity. Although effects were largest immediately after PSST, several differences in problem-solving skills and distress levels persisted to the 3-month follow-up. In general, efficacy for Spanish-speaking mothers exceeded that for English-speaking mothers. Findings also suggest young, single mothers profit most from PSST.
Sahler
Olle Jane Z
OJ
Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. oj_sahler@urmc.rochester.edu
Fairclough
Diane L
DL
Phipps
Sean
S
Mulhern
Raymond K
RK
Dolgin
Michael J
MJ
Noll
Robert B
RB
Katz
Ernest R
ER
Varni
James W
JW
Copeland
Donna R
DR
Butler
Robert W
RW
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D011340:Problem Solving; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013663:Teaching