A group positive psychology intervention for cancer survivors and caregivers: A pilot study of Activating Happiness©

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and potential concept of a 4-week positive psychology group intervention (Activating Happiness©) for cancer survivors and caregivers that emphasized mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude. Nine facilitators led 6 intervention groups for 49 participants (35 cancer survivors, 14 caregivers). Of eligible participants, 63% enrolled and of those, 89% completed all study activities. Participants completed self-report measures at baseline, after the second and final sessions, and 3-month post-intervention, and provided qualitative feedback after the final session. Qualitative data demonstrated that participants found the intervention acceptable. The intervention's potential proof-of-concept was supported by benchmarking outcomes against those reported in randomized controlled trials, with effect sizes for mindfulness, self-compassion, anxiety, and depression for caregivers and survivors, and for pain for survivors comparable to size estimates for efficacy in clinical trials.

Keywords:

• Cancer survivors and caregivers
• gratitude
• group intervention
• mindfulness
• positive psychology
• self-compassion

Acknowledgments

This study was submitted and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Denver. This study was supported by funding through the University of Denver Prof Grant.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.