Virtual ACT and Compassion-Based Group Therapy for Cancer-Related Well-Being

About the Study

A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can cause stress and affect a person's emotional well-being and quality of life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people learn to handle difficult thoughts and feelings, focus on what matters most to them, and cope with life's challenges. This study combines ACT with compassion-based therapy in virtual group sessions.

Researchers will evaluate whether the group therapy helps participants feel understood and supported and whether it helps reduce emotional and physical distress. They will also look at changes in participants' ability to manage difficult thoughts and feelings, stay mindful of the present moment, treat themselves with kindness, find meaning and purpose in life, and experience positive changes in how they view themselves and their lives after facing cancer.

Everyone who takes part in the study will receive the group therapy and researchers will evaluate how participants' responses change over the course of the study.

What the Study Involves

Participation includes the following:

• Complete a survey before beginning the virtual group therapy sessions.

• Attend one virtual group therapy session per week for six weeks. Each session lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

• Complete follow-up assessments one month after the sixth session to evaluate changes in well-being and other study measures.

This study is open to:

• Adults age 18 or older.
• People who are patients of Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
• People who have been diagnosed with cancer, are planning or receiving cancer-related treatment, or completed cancer treatment within the past two years.
• People experiencing stress or challenges related to cancer whose treatment goals are consistent with the purpose of the group.
• People who can read, write, and speak English.
• People willing to attend all six virtual group therapy sessions.

This study is not open to:

• Severe mental health symptoms that are not adequately managed, such as symptoms that make it difficult to take part in group discussions.
• Significant difficulties with memory, concentration, or thinking that could make it hard to follow or participate in the sessions.
• Mental health or behavioral challenges that could make participating safely and comfortably in a group setting difficult.

The study team will meet with each potential participant to determine whether the group therapy program is a good fit for them at this time. Some people may need a different type or level of support before participating in a group program.