RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Mindful gratitude journaling: psychological distress, quality of life and suffering in advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP bmjspcare-2021-003068
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003068
A1 Tan, Ting Ting
A1 Tan, Maw Pin
A1 Lam, Chee Loong
A1 Loh, Ee Chin
A1 Capelle, David Paul
A1 Zainuddin, Sheriza Izwa
A1 Ang, Bin Ting
A1 Lim, Min Ai
A1 Lai, Natalie Zi
A1 Tung, Yu Zhen
A1 Yee, Hway Ann
A1 Ng, Chong Guan
A1 Ho, Gwo Fuang
A1 See, Mee Hoong
A1 Teh, Mei Sze
A1 Lai, Lee Lee
A1 Pritam Singh, Ranjit Kaur
A1 Chai, Chee Shee
A1 Ng, Diana Leh Ching
A1 Tan, Seng Beng
YR 2021
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2021/07/07/bmjspcare-2021-003068.abstract
AB 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.