Positive psychology interventions in patients with prostate cancer: A systematic review.

Abstract

e17005 Background: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and often results in psychiatric symptoms due to the direct disease effects, hormonal treatments, functional losses, and psychological responses of patients to the cancer. Positive psychology interventions have shown promise in alleviating psychological symptoms in patients with chronic diseases but are infrequently studied in patients with prostate cancer. Therefore, our systematic review aimed to examine the benefits of positive psychology interventions for patients with prostate cancer. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted using the Medline, PubMed/Medline, and PsycInfo databases using a combination of MeSH terms and free text words, including publications up to November 2023. Studies were eligible if they included at least one positive psychology therapy intervention and the title or abstract mentioned the inclusion of patients with prostate cancer. Two individuals independently reviewed reports identified by the search to meet the above criteria and performed a quality assessment scale of studies based on standardized criteria that were adapted from those used in prior systematic reviews. The study was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) repository. Results: The database searches yielded 1244 initial studies, 10 of which met inclusion criteria. Of the 10 included studies, 2 were randomized clinical trials, 2 were pilot feasibility trials, 3 were single-arm interventional studies, and 3 were cross-sectional studies. Manuscripts focused on older adults, with reported mean ages ranging from 54.5 to 72.0. Positive psychology interventions consisted of mindfulness-based therapies, meditation, hope and resilience therapies, and well-being therapies. Most studies showed a positive effect on improving outcomes for patients with early to advanced stage prostate cancers, including psychological distress, mood disorders, anxiety, quality of life, happiness, and life satisfaction. However, most of the studies were limited by small sample size, qualitative findings, loss to follow-up, and observational data. Most studies also excluded patients with severe psychiatric disorders, who may potentially benefit most from these interventions. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates that positive psychology approaches may have benefit in patients with prostate cancer. However, further larger prospective studies and clinical trials are needed to determine whether these interventions have proven benefit in this understudied population.