The Effect of Cognitive-emotional Intervention on Psychological Distress in Mothers of Children with Cancer

Background: It is important to address the problems of parents of children with cancer to reduce the negative consequences, especially in mothers as primary caregivers. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effect of cognitive-emotional intervention on the psychological distress of mothers of children with cancer in the chemotherapy ward. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 100 mothers of children with cancer who presented to the chemotherapy ward of the hospitals affiliated to Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2018. The eligible mothers were chosen conveniently and then randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Mothers in the intervention group received five sessions of cognitive-emotional intervention, two sessions per week. Each session took about 60 to 90 minutes on average per group. Before and sixteen weeks after the end of the intervention, data were collected using the Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K-10). The data were analyzed using SPSS 21 utilizing statistical tests, including independent and paired t-tests, Chi-square, and covariance analysis. Results: Although there was no difference in the mean score of psychological distress before the intervention (P = 0.5), but the results showed that the mean score of psychological distress of mothers of children with cancer after cognitive-emotional intervention was significantly lower in the intervention group (6.16 ± 3.40) than the control group (16.84 ± 6.67) (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Cognitive-emotional intervention had a significant positive effect on reducing psychological distress in mothers of children with cancer. Such interventions are recommended for parents, especially mothers in the chemotherapy ward.