The effects of guided written disclosure on psychological symptoms among parents of children with cancer.
This study examines whether structured writing about receiving a diagnosis and treatment for pediatric cancer reduces distress among highly distressed parents of children with cancer (PCWC). Eight PCWC completed measures of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms at two baselines, and again after writing, with 1-month gaps between assessments. Using a guided disclosure protocol (GDP), parents were asked to write about receiving the diagnosis first in a chronological manner, then to explicitly label their emotions at the time of diagnosis and explain the impact of the child's illness on their life. Finally, they were asked to reflect on current feelings, future coping ability, and personal growth. Although symptoms of distress did not change between baselines, significant reductions were found in PTSS from the first baseline to postwriting, but not in depression. This preliminary study suggests that the GDP may reduce PTSS in distressed PCWC.
Duncan
Elaine
E
Division of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 OBA, UK. edu@gcal.ac.uk
Gidron
Yori
Y
Rabin
Eyal
E
Gouchberg
Liza
L
Moser
Asher M
AM
Kapelushnik
Josef
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014956:Writing