The Role of Psychosocial Interventions in Managing Anxiety in Children and Adults with Cancer: A Literature Review
Abstract
Cancer diagnosis and treatment are associated with significant psychological distress, particularly anxiety, affecting both pediatric and adult populations. Psychosocial interventions have emerged as crucial components of comprehensive cancer care. To systematically literature review the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in managing anxiety among children and adults with cancer, examining intervention types, outcomes, and implementation strategies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, JSTOR and Cochrane Library for studies published between 2020-2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and observational studies evaluating psychosocial interventions for cancer-related anxiety in pediatric and adult populations. The review identified significant evidence supporting various psychosocial interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, support groups, creative therapies and technology-enhanced. Effect sizes ranged from small to large, with particular effectiveness observed in structured, multi-session interventions. Psychosocial interventions demonstrate significant potential in reducing cancer-related anxiety across age groups, with tailored approaches showing enhanced effectiveness. Implementation requires consideration of developmental factors, cancer stage, and individual patient characteristics.
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References
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33992/icmahs.v3i1.4764
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