Psycho-spiritual integrative therapy for women with primary breast cancer.

Author: Garlick M, Wall K, Corwin D, Koopman C.
Affiliation: Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA 94305-5718, USA.
Conference/Journal: J Clin Psychol Med Settings.
Date published: 2011 Mar
Other: Volume ID: 18 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 78-90 , Word Count: 146


Breast cancer presents physical and psychological challenges, but can also result in posttraumatic growth (PTG). Twenty-four women completed Psycho-Spiritual Integrative Therapy (PSIT) treatment and completed assessments for PTG and QOL before, immediately following, and 1 month after treatment. Women showed improvement (p < .01) on the FACT-B (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast) Physical Well-being, Emotional Well-being, and Functional Well-being subscales, on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) Depression, Anger, and Fatigue subscales (p < .05), and on their POMS Tension, Vigor and Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) scores (p < .01). Also, women showed improvement on the FACIT-Sp-Ex (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual) Meaning/Peace subscale, the Spiritual Well-being total scale (p < .01), and on the New Possibilities (p < .01) and Personal Strength (p < .05) subscales of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). This preliminary study suggests that PSIT may improve well being and stimulate PTG in breast cancer patients.

PMID: 21344265