@article {Tanbmjspcare-2021-003068, author = {Ting Ting Tan and Maw Pin Tan and Chee Loong Lam and Ee Chin Loh and David Paul Capelle and Sheriza Izwa Zainuddin and Bin Ting Ang and Min Ai Lim and Natalie Zi Lai and Yu Zhen Tung and Hway Ann Yee and Chong Guan Ng and Gwo Fuang Ho and Mee Hoong See and Mei Sze Teh and Lee Lee Lai and Ranjit Kaur Pritam Singh and Chee Shee Chai and Diana Leh Ching Ng and Seng Beng Tan}, title = {Mindful gratitude journaling: psychological distress, quality of life and suffering in advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial}, elocation-id = {bmjspcare-2021-003068}, year = {2021}, doi = {10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003068}, publisher = {British Medical Journal Publishing Group}, abstract = {Context Numerous studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress and improve quality of life.Objective Our study aimed to examine the effect of mindful gratitude journaling on suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.Methods We conducted a parallel-group, blinded, randomised controlled trial at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Ninety-two adult patients with advanced cancer, and an overall suffering score >=4/10 based on the Suffering Pictogram were recruited and randomly assigned to either a mindful gratitude journaling group (N=49) or a routine journaling group (N=43).Results After 1 week, there were significant reductions in the overall suffering score from the baseline in both the intervention group (mean difference in overall suffering score=-2.0, 95\% CI=-2.7 to -1.4, t=-6.125, p=0.000) and the control group (mean difference in overall suffering score=-1.6, 95\% CI=-2.3 to -0.8, t=-4.106, p=0.037). There were also significant improvements in the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (mean difference=-3.4, 95\% CI=-5.3 to -1.5, t=-3.525, p=0.000) and the total Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being score (mean difference=7.3, 95\% CI=1.5 to 13.1, t=2.460, p=0.014) in the intervention group after 7 days, but not in the control group.Conclusion The results provide evidence that 7 days of mindful gratitude journaling could positively affect the state of suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.Trial registration number The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN1261800172191) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.Data are available on reasonable request. Data are kept as hardcopy and soft copy by the authors.}, issn = {2045-435X}, URL = {https://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2021/07/07/bmjspcare-2021-003068}, eprint = {https://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2021/07/07/bmjspcare-2021-003068.full.pdf}, journal = {BMJ Supportive \& Palliative Care} }