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Efficacy of Meaning-centered Group Psychotherapy in Chinese Patients with
Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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S. Wang, Y. Zhu, Z. Wang, M. Zheng, X. Li, Y. Zhang, and H. Wan 2
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Nursing, Fudan University, China, and Nursing, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, China
Background: Meaninglessness is a common psychological issue for cancer patients, leading to anxiety,
depression, distress, and a lower quality of life. Recent evidence shows that meaning-centered group
psychotherapy (MCGP) can improve the sense of meaning in life for cancer patients. However, cultural
differences between Eastern and Western societies must be considered when applying MCGP in China.
Therefore, MCGP should be adapted to fit the Chinese cultural context before being used with Chinese
cancer patients. We hypothesized that MCGP would show significant effects on cancer patients with a good
prognosis in China in terms of meaning in life, psychological distress, post-traumatic growth, and fear of
cancer recurrence.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of MCGP on the meaning in life, post-traumatic growth,
psychological distress, and fear of recurrence among Chinese cancer patients with a favorable prognosis.
Oral Presentation Abstracts
Methods: Sixty-six cancer patients were randomly assigned to either the MCGP group (n = 33) or the
control group (n = 33). Participants in the MCGP group underwent a 4-week, 8-session MCGP, while
those in the control group received usual care. Meaning in life, post-traumatic growth, psychological
distress, and fear of recurrence were assessed at both baseline and postintervention to evaluate the
impact of the intervention. The intervention outcomes were analyzed using paired t-tests or analysis
of covariance, as appropriate.

Results: Patients in the MCGP group demonstrated significant improvements in meaning in life,
post-traumatic growth, and fear of recurrence from baseline to postintervention. In comparison to the
control group, the MCGP group displayed positive effects on meaning in life and post-traumatic growth
following the intervention. However, no significant effects were observed in terms of psychological distress
and fear of recurrence.

Conclusion: Our research offers evidence supporting the effectiveness of MCGP in enhancing meaning in
life and post-traumatic growth among Chinese cancer patients with a favorable prognosis.

Keywords: cancer, meaning-centered group psychotherapy, meaning in life, randomized controlled trial

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Correspondence: Hongwei Wan, Nursing, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, China
E-mail: hong_whw@aliyun.com

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