Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy in Advanced Cancer

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy in Advanced Cancer

We have developed an 8-week Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy designed to help patients with advanced cancer sustain or enhance a sense of meaning, peace and purpose despite the limitations of their cancer illness. This project's overall aim is to explore the feasibility and efficacy of this new and unique psychotherapy intervention for advanced cancer patients in enhancing psychological and spiritual well-being and quality of life by comparing it with a standard supportive group psychotherapy.

As per Brief Summary

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21 years of age or older;
• English speaking;
• Stage III or IV solid-tumor or Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma;
• Receiving ambulatory care at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City;

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant psychiatric disturbance sufficient, in the investigator's judgment, to preclude participation in a group-format intervention;
• Presence of cognitive impairment disorder, such as delirium or dementia that is sufficient, in the investigator's opinion, to preclude meaningful participation and/or informed consent;
• Karnofsky Performance Rating Scale below 50 or physical limitations or illness severity sufficient to preclude participation in outpatient group psychotherapy.