Clinical Research Directory

Stress, Adjustment And Growth In Children With Cancer And Their Parents

This proposal examines trauma and growth responses in the childhood cancer experience. It addresses a number of gaps and unanswered questions in the literature, while integrating several distinct but related lines of research. The rationale for this proposal is outlined briefly as follows: 1. Traumatic stress models focused on pathology dominate pediatric psychosocial oncology research despite empiric evidence of low levels of post-traumatic stress in this population. 2. The assumption of 'cancer as a traumatic event' has biased research designs (including lack of control comparisons) to focus on deficits and pathological outcomes. 3. This deficit-oriented approach has stimulated the development of interventions to treat or prevent PTSD, which may be unnecessary or even harmful. 4. Theoretical and empiric evidence suggests that a more common response to traumatic stress is growth and positive change, but posttraumatic growth phenomenon have been understudied in pediatric populations. 5. Cognitive and personality factors are important determinants of PTSD and positive growth outcomes, and some constructs from positive psychology theory may be particularly relevant in children with cancer. 6. Empirically, parents of children with cancer appear to be at higher risk of PTSD/PTSS, although results are not unequivocal, and the same research biases have applied to parental outcomes. This proposal includes assessment of parental PTSS and PTG, both as an outcome and a predictor of child outcomes.

Cognitive Restructuring in Managing Breakup Distress and Promoting Posttraumatic Growth Among Malaysian Young Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the effectiveness of cognitive restructuring in reducing breakup distress and promoting personal growth among Malaysian young adults. Cognitive restructuring is a therapy skill that focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts. The main question it aims to answer is: Are there differences in their breakup distress and personal growth after receiving cognitive restructuring compared to counselling? Participants will receive five online sessions of either cognitive restructuring or counselling. Data on participants' breakup distress and personal growth will be collected before and after completion of sessions. The hypothesis is that cognitive restructuring will reduce breakup distress and increase personal growth more than counselling.