Expressive Writing for the Management of Stress in Cancer Survivors

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center

About this trial

This clinical trial evaluates the effect of expressive writing for the management of stress in cancer survivors. Cancer diagnosis and treatment are associated with increased stress in cancer survivors related to concerns about family, career, relationships, finances, side effects of treatment, and death. This stress can be further exacerbated by social upheavals such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For safety reasons, many patients are isolated with restricted access to in-person health care and reduced social interaction with family and friends. Together with the economic uncertainties that come with this pandemic, these factors are likely to increase cancer survivors' stress levels. Expressive writing may provide a medium through which cancer survivors confront stressors and find meaning in their experience. The goal of this trial is to learn more about the experiences of cancer survivors during stressful times.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

At least 18 years old

Have a diagnosis of cancer within the past 3 years

Are able to speak and read in English

Have access to a computer or smart phone with internet connection

Disqualifiers

Inability to provide informed consent

Non-English speakers will be excluded because this is a feasibility study that will enroll only a limited number of participants

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Behavioral Intervention
  • Behavioral Intervention
  • Behavioral Intervention
  • Behavioral Intervention
  • Quality-of-Life Assessment
  • Questionnaire Administration

Treatment groups

414 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Lead sponsor

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator