A Study of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Caregivers to People With Cancer

Launched by ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · Mar 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a type of therapy called Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP-C) designed specifically for caregivers of people with cancer. The goal is to see if this therapy can help reduce feelings of stress, burnout, and burden that caregivers often experience. Participants in the study will answer a series of questionnaires about their feelings and support systems before starting either MCP-C or a standard therapy called Supportive Psychotherapy (SP-C). Both therapy options involve seven sessions, and participants will fill out more questionnaires at different points after their therapy to track their progress.

To be eligible for this study, you must be at least 18 years old and currently care for someone with advanced cancer (Stage III or IV) who is receiving treatment. You should also be experiencing some distress related to caregiving. Participants must live in New York, New Jersey, or Florida, or be able to attend sessions through telehealth. It's important to note that you can still participate and complete the study even if your loved one passes away during the course of the therapy. If you choose to stop before finishing all sessions, you can still complete the questionnaires.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 or over;
• • As per self-report, a current caregiver to a patient with Stage III or IV solid tumor cancer currently receiving medical care of any kind (e.g., curative, palliative);
• • Experiences distress as evidenced by a score of 4 or greater on the Distress Thermometer (DT) and an indication that this distress is associated with caregiving;
• • As per self-report, can read and understand English;
• • As per self-report, residing in New York, New Jersey, or Florida, or have the ability to complete sessions while complying with current telehealth regulations.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Participant does not have a reasonable understanding of the study activities by the judgment of the consenting professional;
• • Engagement in regular individual psychotherapeutic support that the participant is unable or unwilling to put on hold for the course of treatment.