A randomized controlled trial of a guided self‐disclosure intervention to facilitate benefit finding in Chinese breast cancer patients: Study protocol

Aim To describe a protocol that examines the feasibility and effectiveness of a face‐to‐face guided self‐disclosure intervention for facilitating benefit finding and other related psychological outcomes for breast cancer patients. Background Benefit finding can promote a positive attitude among patients facing disease. However, limited studies have focused on improving benefit finding among breast cancer patients. Previous research has been based on group interventions, which may not suit all patients. Self‐disclosure was recognized as a strong predictor of benefit finding. This protocol is based on a brief face‐to‐face disclosure intervention to improve benefit finding for breast cancer patients. Design A non‐blinded randomized controlled trial. Methods A total of 154 patients with breast cancer who have undergone radical mastectomy will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which will participate in a six‐session face‐to‐face individual intervention, or the control group at a ratio of 1:1. Baseline assessments will take place after the breast cancer diagnosis, with follow‐up assessments at 3, 6 and 9 months after baseline. The primary outcome is benefit finding; other outcomes are self‐disclosure, cognitive reappraisal, social support, optimism and medical coping modes. Discussion This study is to design a protocol for guided self‐disclosure interventions to promote benefit finding in Chinese breast cancer patients. If this intervention is feasible and effective, it could be implemented in clinical practice. Impact This study will provide useful advice for health professionals to guide breast cancer patients in benefit finding during stressful events. If it is effective, it will be implemented broadly in clinical practice. 目的在于描述一个方案,该方案探讨面对面指导型自我披露干预的可行性和有效性,以便于促进乳腺癌患者的意义发现和其他相关的心理结果。背景意义发现可以有助于患者积极面对疾病。然而,有限研究着重于改善乳腺癌患者的意义发现。以前的研究是基于团体干预,这可能并不适用于所有的病人。自我披露被公认为是意义发现的有力预测指标。该方案基于简短型面对面披露干预,以便于改善乳腺癌患者的意义发现。设计一项非盲随机对照试验。方法将154例接受根治性乳房切除术的乳腺癌患者随机分为实验组和对照组,其中实验组将参加6次面对面的个别干预,或者对照组的比例为1:1。将在乳腺癌诊断后进行基线评估,而将在基线评估后3、6和9个月进行随访评估。主要结果是意义发现;其他结果包括自我表露、认知重评、社会支持、乐观主义和医学应对方式。讨论本研究旨在设计一个指导性自我披露干预方案,以便于促进中国乳腺癌患者的意义发现。如果这种干预具备可行性和有效性,则可以在临床实践中进行实施。影响本研究将为健康专业人士提供有用的建议,以便于指导乳腺癌患者在应激事件中发现意义。如果有效,将在临床实践中进行广泛实施。