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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 5/2019

01-10-2019 | Psychotherapy

Psychological intervention (ConquerFear) for treating fear of cancer recurrence: mediators and moderators of treatment efficacy

Authors: Louise Sharpe, J. Turner, J. E. Fardell, B. Thewes, A. B. Smith, J. Gilchrist, J. Beith, A. Girgis, S. Tesson, S. Day, K. Grunewald, P. Butow, ConquerFear Authorship group

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 5/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

ConquerFear is an efficacious intervention for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) that demonstrated greater improvements than an attention control (relaxation training) in a randomized controlled trial. This study aimed to determine mediators and moderators of the relative treatment efficacy of ConquerFear versus relaxation.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-two cancer survivors completed 5 therapy sessions and outcome measures before and after intervention and at 6 months’ follow-up. We examined theoretically relevant variables as potential mediators and moderators of treatment outcome. We hypothesized that metacognitions and intrusions would moderate and mediate the relationship between treatment group and FCR level at follow-up.

Results

Only total FCR score at baseline moderated treatment outcome. Participants with higher levels of FCR benefited more from ConquerFear relative to relaxation on the primary outcome. Changes in metacognitions and intrusive thoughts about cancer during treatment partially mediated the relationship between treatment group and FCR.

Conclusions

These results show that ConquerFear is relatively more effective than relaxation for those with overall higher levels of FCR. The mediation analyses confirmed that the most likely mechanism of treatment efficacy was the reduction in unhelpful metacognitions and intrusive thoughts during treatment, consistent with the theoretical framework underpinning ConquerFear.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

ConquerFear is a brief, effective treatment for FCR in cancer survivors with early-stage disease. The treatment works by reducing intrusive thoughts about cancer and changing beliefs about worry and is particularly helpful for people with moderate to severe FCR.
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Metadata
Title
Psychological intervention (ConquerFear) for treating fear of cancer recurrence: mediators and moderators of treatment efficacy
Authors
Louise Sharpe
J. Turner
J. E. Fardell
B. Thewes
A. B. Smith
J. Gilchrist
J. Beith
A. Girgis
S. Tesson
S. Day
K. Grunewald
P. Butow
ConquerFear Authorship group
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-019-00788-4

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