A randomized trial of group psychoeducational therapy for cancer patients

Improvements in mood reported by 53 cancer patients of varying diagnoses who were randomized into two brief, group programs were compared: a psychoeducational or coping skills training program, which included some supportive discussion; and a control intervention comprising supportive discussion alone.

Abstract

This study compares the improvements in affective state reported by 53 cancer patients of varying diagnoses who were randomized into two brief, group programs: (1) a psychoeducational or coping skills training program, which included some supportive discussion; and (2) a control intervention comprising supportive discussion alone. While both were associated with significant benefits, the psychoeducational groups had a greater effect. In a separate group of 39 non-randomized patients given coping skills training, the improvements in mood were largely maintained at 3 months' follow-up.