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Evaluating Somatic Experiencing ® to Heal Cancer Trauma: First Evidence with Breast Cancer Survivors

Author

Listed:
  • Denise Vagnini

    (Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy)

  • Massimo Maria Grassi

    (Breast Unit, Humanitas Gavazzeni Clinical Institute, 24125 Bergamo, Italy)

  • Emanuela Saita

    (Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Somatic Experiencing ® is a bio-psychological method for the treatment and prevention of trauma and chronic stress, which has never been investigated with breast cancer (BC) survivors. Eight weeks of web-based synchronous group sessions were structured between April and June 2022. Potential participants were recruited using a convenience sampling approach and through the collaboration of a public hospital in northern Italy and a non-profit association of BC women. Thirty-five eligible participants were enrolled and divided into an intervention group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 14). Anxiety, depression, distress (HADS), coping strategies (Mini-MAC), trauma reworking skills (PACT), and body image (BIS) were assessed at T0 and after 8 weeks (T1). Qualitative items concerning the most significant moments and learnings were completed at T1 by the intervention group. An independent t -test confirmed no between-group psychological differences at T0. As hypothesized, paired-sample t -tests showed decreases in anxiety, depression, distress ( p < 0.05), and anxious preoccupation coping strategy ( p < 0.001), but also improvements in forward focus ( p < 0.05) and body image ( p < 0.001) in the intervention group. The controls worsened over time with increases in hopeless/helplessness ( p < 0.001) and avoidance ( p < 0.05) coping strategies. Textual analyses extracted five dominant themes that summarized the meaning of the experience for participants. The preliminary results suggest the effectiveness of the intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Denise Vagnini & Massimo Maria Grassi & Emanuela Saita, 2023. "Evaluating Somatic Experiencing ® to Heal Cancer Trauma: First Evidence with Breast Cancer Survivors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:14:p:6412-:d:1198222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ilaria Durosini & Lucrezia Savioni & Stefano Triberti & Paolo Guiddi & Gabriella Pravettoni, 2021. "The Motivation Journey: A Grounded Theory Study on Female Cancer Survivors’ Experience of a Psychological Intervention for Quality of Life," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Denise Vagnini & Nicolò Lamperti & Sara Molgora & Francesca Barile & Federica Facchin & Umberto Mazza & Emanuela Saita, 2023. "Mental Health Issues as a Consequence of the Pandemic: Group Psycho-Educational Intervention to Support Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Infection," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-17, June.
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