A cognitive behavioral therapy–based intervention to address body image in patients with facial cancers: Results from a randomized controlled trial

Deepti Chopra, Eileen Shinn, Irene Teo, Mary Catherine Bordes, Gregory P. Reece, Jun Liu, Mia K. Markey, Randal Weber, Michelle C. Fingeret

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives. Body image adjustment is a crucial issue for patients with facial cancer, but body image–specific interventions are scarce. We report results of a novel psychotherapeutic intervention to address body image concerns during acute postoperative recovery following facial reconstructive surgery. Our primary aims were to evaluate the intervention’s feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy on body image concerns, psychological distress, and quality of life (QOL). Methods. Adults with facial cancers who endorsed body image concerns were recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group participated in 4 in-person counseling sessions. The control group received an educational booklet and a brief phone call. Participants completed measures of body image, distress, and QOL at baseline and at the 4-week follow-up to assess the impact of the intervention. Intervention outcomes were assessed with 2 sample t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests as appropriate. Results. Twenty-nine participants completed both the baseline and follow-up assessments. The intervention demonstrated good feasibility with a high retention rate (79%), visit completion rate (81%), and high satisfaction scores (75% reported mean satisfaction score of >3). Intervention did not result in an observed statistically significant difference in reduction in body image dissatisfaction and disturbance, psychological distress, or improvement in QOL compared with the control group. However, intervention resulted in statistically significant difference in perceived social impact (−1 vs. −8.3, p = 0.033) compared to control group. Significance of results. Our study highlights the potential clinical benefits of a novel psychotherapeutic intervention that targets body image concerns and suggests the need for further evaluation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1009-1016
Number of pages8
JournalPalliative and Supportive Care
Volume22
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2024

Keywords

  • body image
  • cognitive behavioral therapy
  • facial cancer
  • intervention
  • quality of life

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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