Overview
The purpose of this study is to examine a psychotherapeutic and psycho-educational intervention offered in virtual settings to caregivers of youth with cancer. Human subjects must be used because they are the object of the intervention.
Description
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE(S)- To examine the feasibility and accessibility of a brief intervention for caregivers of youth with newly-diagnosed cancer as a preliminary, data-generating step toward applying for a larger NCI R34 grant evaluating the efficacy of the program in a randomized controlled trial.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE(S)- We hope to learn whether a psycho-educational, psychotherapeutic intervention offered in a virtual setting to caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer is feasible, is acceptable, and can prevent, minimize, or improve symptoms of psychological distress (including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder). We also hope to further our understanding of family stress and expand the idea for a need of mental health services in pediatric oncology. We aim to further understand intervention strategies for domains of family stress, reducing levels of caregiver anxiety, and promoting resilience for caregivers. This is important because these symptoms can affect the quality of life of caregivers and affect their ability to adhere to their children's treatments.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Primary caregiver of a youth (under age 18) with a recent diagnosis (less than 6 months) of blood or brain/CNS cancer
- Consent to research
- For children/siblings who wish to participate, over the age of 8
Exclusion Criteria:
- Lack of proficiency in written and spoken English
- Active suicidal ideation
Anyone who is not a caregiver of children who have been diagnosed with cancer within the
past six months will be excluded.