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Comparative Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on the Quality of Life in Cancer Caregivers
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MR Khodabakhsh1   , A Habibi Kilak2 |
1- Department of Psychology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran , khodabakhsh@ut.ac.ir
2- Department of Psychology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran |
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Abstract: (1179 Views) |
Background & aim: Background & Aim: Caregivers of cancer patients encounter multifaceted stressors and significant caregiving burdens, which can detrimentally impact various dimensions of their well-being. While both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) are recognized as effective interventions for enhancing quality of life (QoL), there remains a paucity of comparative research regarding their relative efficacy within this specific population. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of CBT and EFT on the quality of life of cancer caregivers.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and a two-month follow-up was employed. The study population consisted of caregivers receiving services from the Mashhad Cancer Control Charity Foundation (MACSA). Using purposive sampling, 45 participants were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: CBT ($n=15$), EFT ($n=15$), and a control group ($n=15$). Data were collected using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. The CBT protocol comprised ten 90-minute weekly sessions (based on Young et al., 2008), while the EFT protocol included eight 90-minute weekly sessions (based on Greenberg, 2010). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post-hoc tests, via SPSS version 27.
Results: Findings indicated that both CBT and EFT significantly improved certain dimensions of quality of life compared to the control group ($p < 0.05$). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that the CBT group exhibited significantly higher mean scores in physical functioning, social functioning, and pain management compared to the control group ($p < 0.05$). However, no significant differences were observed between the experimental groups (CBT vs. EFT) or in other QoL domains.
Conclusion: Both CBT and EFT are effective interventions for enhancing the quality of life in cancer caregivers. These findings suggest that clinicians can integrate these therapeutic modalities into support programs to mitigate the psychological and physical burdens faced by this population.
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| Keywords: Quality of life, Emotion-focused therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Cancer caregivers, Caregiver burden. |
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Nursery- Psychology
Received: 2025/05/3 | Accepted: 2025/10/4 | Published: 2025/12/24
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