PRISM for Depression and Anxiety in Young Adults With Cancer

This research study is being done to test the initial feasibility and acceptability of a six-session, skills-based resilience coaching intervention, Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM; Rosenberg et al., 2018; Rosenberg et al., 2021), that targets four resilience resources (stress management, goal setting, cognitive reframing, and meaning-making) for young adult patients (18-30 years old) with cancer or desmoid tumor who are treated with curative intent and who report moderate depressive and/or anxiety symptoms.

The research study procedures include screening for eligibility, completing one diagnostic assessment of depressive and anxiety symptoms, pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaires, completion of the six-session PRISM intervention, and a semi-structured exit interview about the experience with the PRISM intervention.

Participation in this research study is expected to last approximately 2 to 3 months.

It is expected that up to 15 young adults with cancer (i.e., participants) and up to a total of 15 support persons (i.e., friends or family members who participants will have an option to invite for the final session of the intervention) will take part in this research study.

The Hans and Mavis Lopater Foundation is funding this research study by providing philanthropic support.

Inclusion criteria

for Participants:

• 18-39 years of age
• Speak and comprehend English sufficiently to be able to complete study procedures and participate in the program in English*
• Have been diagnosed with cancer or desmoid tumor at least 6 or more weeks ago
• Currently receiving treatment or has completed treatment for cancer or desmoid tumor no more than 6 months ago
• Score 10-24 (with question #9 not endorsed, or 0) on the PHQ-9 (Kroenke et al., 1999) or/and score 10-21 on the GAD-7 (Spitzer et al., 2006) during the initial screening assessment.

Participant Exclusion Criteria:

• Adults unable to consent, individuals who are not yet adults (age <18), pregnant women, and prisoners.
• Individuals who score less than 10 on both PHQ-9 and GAD-7.
• Individuals who are diagnosed with cancer less than 6 weeks at the time of screening (we will be able to approach them again after 6 weeks since diagnosis has passed), or those who completed treatment more than 6 months ago will also be ineligible for this study; they will be offered resources for support, if desired.

• Individuals who report any suicidality (ideation, plan, and/or intent) on PHQ-9 screen (i.e., endorse anything more than 0 for question #9) at the time of the eligibility screening will also be excluded from the current study, and the appropriate safety measures and/or referral to a mental health provider will be made (see section 14.1 for more details on the procedure).

Inclusion criteria

for Support Person:

-≥ 18 years of age

-A friend or family member invited by the study participant to join the 6th PRISM session