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Supportive Care in Cancer

Published in:

01-06-2016 | Original Article

Psychological flexibility correlates with patient-reported outcomes independent of clinical or sociodemographic characteristics

Authors: Nicholas J. Hulbert-Williams, Lesley Storey

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 6/2016

Abstract

Purpose

The evidence for the effectiveness of psychological interventions for cancer patients is currently unclear. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which increases individual’s levels of psychological flexibility, may be more effective than other frameworks of psychological intervention, but good quality research is needed to inform adoption and implementation. This study explored the correlation between psychological flexibility and patient-reported outcomes to assess the viability of this intervention for cancer survivors.

Methods

Recruitment was coordinated through a regional cancer centre. One hundred twenty-nine respondents completed a cross-sectional postal questionnaire. They were of mixed gender, diagnosis and cancer stage; a mean 61 years old; and a mean 207 days post-diagnosis. Self-report questionnaires assessed psychological flexibility, mood, anxiety, depression, stress, quality of life and benefit finding.

Results

Psychological flexibility was a strong and consistent correlate of outcome; effects were maintained even when potentially confounding clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were controlled.

Conclusions

Psychological flexibility can be modified through ACT-based interventions. Given the strong correlational evidence found in this study, it seems that such interventions might be useful for cancer survivors. High-quality and well-designed controlled trials are now needed to establish effectiveness.

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Title: Psychological flexibility correlates with patient-reported outcomes independent of clinical or sociodemographic characteristics
Authors: Nicholas J. Hulbert-Williams
Lesley Storey
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-3050-9

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