Development of a Psychosocial Intervention to Reduce Post Traumatic Stress in Young Adult Survivors of Cancer

Adaptation and Refinement of a Psychosocial Intervention to Reduce Post-Traumatic Stress in Young Adult Survivors of Cancer

The goal of this study is to develop a virtual group intervention to address post-traumatic stress related to cancer in young adult cancer survivors (YACs, aged 18-39). The study team will do this by integrating evidence-guided treatments and expert clinician feedback (N=10) on the content, delivery, and structure of the intervention. Next, the study team will refine this intervention through a pilot trial with a group of YACs (N=80).

Inclusion Criteria: To be eligible for this study, participants will be:

• Currently aged between 18 - 39;
• Currently receiving or having completed treatment for cancer at the Mass General Cancer Institute within the past 5 years;
• Reporting a score denoting at least mild symptoms of PTSD on the Post-traumatic Stress Checklist 5 (PCL-5);
• English-speaking;
• Have access to a device with audio/video capabilities to complete virtual intervention sessions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to provide verbal consent
• Reporting active symptoms of psychosis that preclude safe participation.