DESIGN AND VALIDATION OF POSITIVITY-BASED INTERVENTION ACCORDING TO INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL INDICES IN CANCER PATIENTS
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Keywords
cancer care, positivity-based intervention, resilience, social support, positive outlook, gratitude journaling, therapeutic storytelling, holistic treatment, oncological psychology
Abstract
Background: The psychological ramifications of a cancer diagnosis are profound, often accompanying physical symptoms with intense emotional distress. Traditional oncological care, while adept at addressing physiological challenges, may occasionally overlook the nuanced psychological needs of patients. The present study embarked on a journey to bridge this gap, introducing and validating a positivity-based intervention tailored for cancer patients.
Methods: Over a span of 16 weeks, 200 adult cancer patients underwent a comprehensive positivity-based intervention program. Through activities ranging from gratitude journaling to future visualization workshops, the intervention sought to cultivate positive mindsets, foster resilience, and enhance social support. The effectiveness of this intervention was gauged using standardized tools: Positive Outlook Scale (POS), Social Support Index (SSI), and the Resilience Measure (RM).
Results: Post-intervention scores demonstrated significant improvement in all three metrics, underscoring the tangible benefits of incorporating positivity-based practices in cancer care. Additionally, patient testimonials and narratives echoed a sense of renewed hope, strengthened community ties, and enhanced resilience.
Conclusion: The findings herald a promising avenue in oncological care, suggesting that complementing medical treatments with psychological interventions can significantly enhance the overall well-being and outlook of cancer patients.
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Seyedeh Shohreh Shahangian
Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
Raheleh Papeli Meibodi
Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran