“About 50 percent of people with cancer are experiencing some form of psychological distress,” said Rost. “It’s totally natural and understandable that as you’re going through that process that there are going to be times that you’re going to feel really bad, and there are going to be times that you’re going to feel anxious and nervous. But when it begins to interfere with your life and your relationships, that’s when you need to seek help.”

The study showed that therapy in general did help patients lower anxiety, distress and depression levels, and those that participated in the newer method improved even more.

“We saw folks who were more engaged with their family and who were talking about the situation,” she said. “Those in the traditional therapy got really good at avoiding the topic – the big white elephant in the room.”

This study was published in Cognitive and Behavioral Health.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Rost at (417) 836-5406 or annrost@missouristate.edu.

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College of Health and Human Services
The College of Health and Human Services offers 16 undergraduate and 17 graduate and certificate programs. The academic units in the college include: biomedical sciences; communication sciences and disorders; health, physical education and recreation; nursing; physical therapy; physician assistant studies; psychology; public health;  social work; and sports medicine and athletic training. Complementing the academic course work in nationally accredited programs are clinical experiences, laboratory and research experiences and internship opportunities. Students receive comprehensive training through interdisciplinary course work, coupled with professional mentoring in the work environment.

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Filed Under: cancer · College of Health and Human Services · psychology · research · rost