GOLD: Brief Intervention to Reduce Anxiety and Promote Resilience in Families of Youth With Cancer

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE(S)- To examine the feasibility and accessibility of a brief intervention for caregivers of youth with newly-diagnosed cancer as a preliminary, data-generating step toward applying for a larger NCI R34 grant evaluating the efficacy of the program in a randomized controlled trial.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE(S)- We hope to learn whether a psycho-educational, psychotherapeutic intervention offered in a virtual setting to caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer is feasible, is acceptable, and can prevent, minimize, or improve symptoms of psychological distress (including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder). We also hope to further our understanding of family stress and expand the idea for a need of mental health services in pediatric oncology. We aim to further understand intervention strategies for domains of family stress, reducing levels of caregiver anxiety, and promoting resilience for caregivers. This is important because these symptoms can affect the quality of life of caregivers and affect their ability to adhere to their children's treatments.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Parents

Inclusion

• Child (0-17yrs) with recent (<12 mo) cancer diagnosis
• Fluent in English
• Consent to research

Exclusion:

• Lack of proficiency in written and spoken English
• Parent is under age 18
• Active Suicidal Ideation
• Child with cancer does not provide assent

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Children

Inclusion:

• Recent (<12 mo) cancer diagnosis in child
• 8-17 Years old
• Provides assent to participate in the study

Exclusion:

• Cannot read English
• Parent is not enrolled in the study

Anyone who is not a caregiver of children who have been diagnosed with cancer within the past 12 months will be excluded.