The impact of dignity therapy on demoralization syndrome in patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial exploring a nurse-led psychotherapeutic approach in oncology care.

PURPOSE: Demoralization is a common psychological distress experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led dignity therapy in reducing demoralization syndrome among this patient population.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 patients undergoing chemotherapy, who were allocated to either an intervention group (n = 42) receiving three sessions of dignity therapy by a trained oncology nurse, or a control group (n = 42) receiving standard care. Assessments were performed at baseline, one month, and three months post-intervention using a demographic questionnaire and the Demoralization Scale (DS). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA-RM) to examine changes in demoralization over time and between groups.

RESULTS

The intervention group showed a significant reduction in demoralization symptoms compared to controls (P < 0.001, standardized mean difference = -1.65). The group-by-time interaction was significant (P = 0.006), indicating that the effects were maintained at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-led dignity therapy is an effective psychotherapeutic intervention to alleviate demoralization syndrome in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Its integration into oncology nursing practice may enhance psychological outcomes and overall patient care.