Can Attention Training reduce emotional distress after cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the utility of Attention Training Technique to ameliorate persistent emotional distress after cancer.
IRAS ID
132480
Contact name
Peter Salmon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Research summary
Emotional distress is common after cancer diagnosis and for most people will diminish over time. However, for some it persists, impacting on their life even after treatment has ended. This study will test for the first time, in this population, an intervention-Attention Training Technique (ATT)- that has been shown to be effective across a range of disorders in mental health. ATT assumes that emotional distress persists when attention becomes fixed on maladaptive mental processing (i.e. worry) of intrusive thoughts and feelings. Consequently, it follows that the ability to direct attention away from such processes should reduce distress. Attention Training Technique (ATT) was developed specifically to help individuals achieve this by strengthening flexible control of attention and promoting the idea of thoughts as separate from reality. Eight patients who were previously diagnosed with primary breast or prostate cancer and are currently experiencing persistent emotional distress will be offered an 8-week ATT intervention. They will be asked to complete an initial assessment of their emotional distress and beliefs about thinking and then to complete weekly self-report questionnaires related to their emotional state and use of maladaptive mental processes until the intervention has ended. The ATT intervention will be introduced after 3 to 6 weeks. The exact timing will be varied for each participant to establish whether it precedes a reduction in symptoms of distress. The initial session will be conducted in a private room with the therapist, participants will then be asked to practice ATT at home with the remainder of the sessions conducted by telephone. At the end of the eight week period, and at three and six months after the intervention has ended, further assessments of emotional distress and beliefs about thinking will be used to establish whether a reduction in distress has occurred and if so, whether it persists.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0441
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion