Effects of a Mind Map-Based Life Review Program on Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms on Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience psychological distress. The mind map-based life review program (MBLRP) offers the potential to reduce patients' negative emotions. However, its effects remain unknown. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of the MBLRP on anxiety and depressive symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A randomized controlled trial with repeated measures was adopted. Eighty-four cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were recruited from a general hospital in Fujian, China. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 44). The participants in the experimental group received the MBLRP plus routine care. The participants in the control group received routine care. Outcomes were measured at baseline, on the second day, and at 4 weeks after the MBLRP. In terms of anxiety, multivariate test statistics showed significant differences in within-group (F = 11.343, P < .001), between-group (F = 8.873, P = .004), and interaction effects (group × time) (F = 19.595, P < .001). For the depressive symptoms, the results showed that the within-group effect (F = 12.385, P < .001), group effect (F = 18.000, P < .001), and group × time effect (F = 26.544, P < .001) were statistically significant, favoring the MBLRP experimental group. The MBLRP has the potential to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further research is needed within larger more representative samples. The MBLRP is a nurse-led, nonpharmacological program that could be recommended for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and integrated into clinical practice.