Chinese American Cancer Survivors Writing Study

A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing Expressive Helping for Chinese American Cancer Survivors

The Chinese American Cancer Survivors Writing Study is a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) testing the feasibility and efficacy of the Expressive Helping (EH) intervention among Chinese American cancer survivors.

Chinese Americans are one of the fastest growing immigrant groups in the United States, but there is still a lack of culturally-sensitive and linguistically-appropriate resources and interventions for this group. To address this gap, the investigators will examine the efficacy and feasibility of Expressive Helping, a writing intervention designed to lead participants to write about their cancer experiences. Participants will be adult cancer survivors of Chinese descent. After screening and consent, eligible participants will be enrolled in a 1:1:1 randomized controlled trial. Assessments of psychological symptoms will occur at baseline (prior to randomization), 1-month post-intervention, 3-months post-intervention, and 6-months post-intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18 years old.
• Prefer speaking in Mandarin Chinese or Cantonese, and able to read and write Simplified or Traditional Chinese.
• Within 5 years after completing primary treatment or have completed primary treatment but still on medication for managing cancer-related symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Difficulties with writing
• Current active participation in support groups (i.e., attending more than once per week)