Narrative Exposure Therapy for cancer survivors v 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the application of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) to reduce Symptoms of Traumatic Stress in Cancer Patients not in active treatment: a naturalistic single case study series
IRAS ID
306652
Contact name
Thomas Schröder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 28 days
Research summary
Research suggests that many elements of cancer diagnosis and treatment can be perceived as traumatic by cancer patients, including diagnostic testing, waiting periods, treatment procedures, and follow-up scans and appointments. Uncertainty, understanding complex medical information and identifying suitable treatments can make the early period of the cancer journey very overwhelming. Cancer treatments usually involve prolonged and invasive procedures, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy which can all have severe side effects. Those people who manage to survive cancer face constant fear of recurrence and enduring physical and emotional distress.
Unlike single traumatic events that might lead to Post-traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD), cancer behaves as a chronic and ongoing stressor; the threat posed by cancer is internal, ever-present, and unavoidable. Having cancer can have a major negative impact on individuals’ assumptions of invulnerability and certainty.An intervention that has the potential to be beneficial and feasible for cancer
patients who experience symptoms of traumatic stress is Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET); NET is an evidence-based, short-term, manualised treatment for trauma-spectrum disorders.The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and
effectiveness of NET in reducing symptoms of traumatic stress (e.g., hyperarousal, avoidance, and intrusion) in cancer patients who are not in active treatment.The study will use a single case study series design and participants will be recruited with the help of psycho-oncology NHS services across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Up to six participants will be recruited.
The study is part of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme and funded by Health Education England. Potential benefits include investigating NET with a new group and contributing to the research on trauma interventions cancer survivors.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0024
Date of REC Opinion
14 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion