Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Intervention for Ostomy Patients Due to Colorectal Cancer on Loneliness (MSC-OP)
Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Summary
Loneliness is a profound health risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, particularly those with stomas who face significant stigma and social anxiety. According to the hypervigilance model, individuals with loneliness often internalize negative stereotypes and anticipate social rejection, leading to chronic isolation and perceived social isolation. Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) offers a potential solution by targeting the psychological mechanisms of shame and self-criticism. By activating the emotional "soothing system" and fostering a sense of common humanity, self-compassion can buffer the impact of stigma and reduce social fear. Despite its promise, the application of MSC within the oncology-ostomy context has rarely been tested. This randomized controlled pilot trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an adapted MSC for ostomy patients (MSC-OP) program due to CRC in alleviating loneliness, stigma, and social anxiety through improving self-compassion among CRC patients with ostomy. The findings will determine the suitability of Mindful Self-compassion as a targeted intervention to improve the psychosocial outcomes and social reintegration of this vulnerable population.
Official title: The Feasibility of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Intervention for Loneliness, Stigma and Social Anxiety Among Colorectal Cancer Patients With Ostomy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2026-09-10
Completion Date
2027-04-30
Last Updated
2026-09-09
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
The MSC-OP group
CRC ostomates will receive MSC-OP in the intervention group delivered by a trained therapist. We will adapt the SC-MSC (six weekly sessions with duration of 1.5 hours for each session) \[41\] for ostomy patients due to CRC. The SC-MSC is a shorted adaptation (9 hours) of the full MSC program created by Dr. Kristin Neff, and her colleague Dr. Christopher Germer. It was designed so that people could learn the key practices needed to transform their relationship with themselves \[41\]. The six sessions are as follows: What is self-compassion? Challenges to practicing self-compassion Discovering your compassionate voice Self-compassion and resilience Self-compassion and others Embracing your life beyond the stoma
usual care
CRC ostomates will receive social support, encompassing follow-ups by stoma nurses and social workers. This includes psychoeducation on stoma-related information, self-care, and the navigation of community resources or social-recreational activities. Stoma management support, psychosocial aid, and home-based follow-ups are provided as needed. Emergency stoma-related events are referred to hospital-based specialist nurses.