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Research: PHILLIPS and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 167
Abstract
PHILLIPS and COLLEAGUES, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33124, USA studied the effects of Cognitive Behavioural Stress Management (CBSM) upon cortisol and relaxation parameters in women being treated for breast cancer.
Background
To examine the effects of a cognitive-behavioural stress management (CBSM) intervention, which was composed of relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and coping skills training on late afternoon serum cortisol and relaxation indicators in women who were undergoing treatment for nonmetastatic breast cancer.
Methodology
Participants (N = 128) were randomly assigned to receive a 10-week CBSM group intervention or a 1-day psychoeducation seminar. Serum cortisol was collected and ability to relax was assessed at study entry and again at 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. Data were analyzed using latent growth curve modelling.
Results
There was a significant effect of study condition on change across time for both cortisol and perceived ability to relax. Women receiving CBSM had significantly greater reductions in cortisol levels across the 12 months compared with those in the control group, who had no appreciable decline. Women receiving CBSM reported greater increases in ability to relax than controls across time. Perceived ability to relax did not mediate CBSM-related reductions in cortisol.
Conclusion
Women who participate in a 10-week CBSM intervention during treatment for breast cancer show decreases in physiological stress in parallel with increases in perceived relaxation skills. This is the first study demonstrating well-maintained reductions in cortisol after a CBSM intervention in cancer patients during and just after treatment.
References
Phillips KM, Antoni MH, Lechner SC, Blomberg BB, Llabre MM, Avisar E, Gluck S, DerHagopian R and Carver CS. Stress management intervention reduces serum cortisol and increases relaxation during treatment for nonmetastatic breast cancer. Psychosomatic Medicine. 70(9): 1044-9. Nov 2008.
