Implementation and evaluation of the modified feeling great program for oncology children

Abstract

PurposeDesigned to reduce anxiety and boost self‐concept, The Modified Feeling Great Program (MFGP) consisted of a series of mental training exercises used to improve the quality of life for 6‐17 year old children (N=20) with cancer. More specifically, the children were taught how to relax, look for highlights (good things that happen to them), and turn‐off negative thoughts that came into their heads. This paper aims to assess the program's effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachA pre‐/post‐test design was used to determine the effectiveness of the MFGP. To participate, children had to be of school age and diagnosed with cancer during the past five years. Six questionnaires/scripts were administered to obtain pre and post information on the dependent variables: highlights, relaxation, stress control, heart rate imagery/excitement and heart rate imagery/relaxation, self concept, and anxiety. Heart rate monitors (DT1000, Polar, New York) measured the physiological effects of the MFGP relaxation component. The 37‐item Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) and Song and Hattie's 15‐item self‐concept scale were also used in this investigation to measure the dependent variables. All instruments had established validity and reliability.FindingsAn examination of pre‐ versus post‐test results showed that the MFGP program produced significant (0.05 level) reduction in (RCMAS) worry/over‐sensitivity, (RCMAS) social concerns/concentration, e.g. physical anxiety, highlights, exciting heart rate/imagery, and relaxation heart rate/imagery. Further statistical analysis revealed that the MFGP was equally effective for boys and girls.Research limitations/implicationsSix children were unable to do the mental training exercises on a regular basis due to ill health from chemotherapy treatments. There was no control group and sample size was small (N=20). A more robust research design should be used during future investigations.Practical implicationsTo date, most of the treatment for children with cancer is concerned with the physical aspects of the problem, i.e. the use of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. The results of the present investigation demonstrate that greater attention needs to be given to psychological factors, e.g. anxiety, poor self‐concept and problematic interpersonal relations with parents, teachers and medical personnel. These results suggest that positive effects can be obtained by using the MFGP.Originality/valueThese results are useful for hospital personnel, parents, teachers, and other persons who provide services to children with cancer.