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 e389
OP e396
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003068
VO 13
IS e2
A1 Ting Ting Tan
A1 Maw Pin Tan
A1 Chee Loong Lam
A1 Ee Chin Loh
A1 David Paul Capelle
A1 Sheriza Izwa Zainuddin
A1 Bin Ting Ang
A1 Min Ai Lim
A1 Natalie Zi Lai
A1 Yu Zhen Tung
A1 Hway Ann Yee
A1 Chong Guan Ng
A1 Gwo Fuang Ho
A1 Mee Hoong See
A1 Mei Sze Teh
A1 Lee Lee Lai
A1 Ranjit Kaur Pritam Singh
A1 Chee Shee Chai
A1 Diana Leh Ching Ng
A1 Seng Beng Tan
YR 2023
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/13/e2/e389.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.