Internet-based guided self-help for parents of children diagnosed with cancer : Long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

• Background: A considerable proportion of parents of children on cancer treatment experience distress such as symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTSS), depression and anxiety. The purpose was to investigate the long-term efficacy of Internetbased guided self-help for these parents.Methods: 58 parents of children on cancer treatment (median months since diagnosis = 3) were randomized to receive 10 weeks of guided self-help via the Internet or to wait-list (intervention n = 31, wait-list n = 27). The intervention utilized principles from cognitive behavior therapy and included psychoeducation, relaxation training, coping with thoughts and feelings, problem solving, and emotional writing. Weekly support via e-mail was provided. Outcomes included PTSS (PCL-C), depression (BDI-II) and anxiety (BAI) and were assessed at pre and post intervention and at one-year follow-up.Results: 18 participants completed the intervention. 16 participants in the intervention condition and 16 participants in the wait-list condition participated in the one-year follow-up. Intention-to-treat analyses indicated significant time*group interactions for all three outcomes with reductions favoring the intervention group: PCL-C; F = 10.9, < .001, BDI-II; F = 12.0, < .001, BAI; F = 14.6, < .001. At the one-year follow-up there were large between-group effect sizes for all three outcomes (Cohens d 0.8 to 1.1).Conclusions: The high drop-out rate warrants caution in interpretation of the findings. However, Internet-based guided self-help may be an accessible alternative for some parents of children on cancer treatment and findings indicate that short-term efficacy can be maintained in the long term.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

internet-based guided self-help

parents

children

cancer

follow-up

Psychology

psykologi

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)