%0 Journal Article
%T Testing the efficacy of a brief online writing intervention on body image and distress in female cancer survivors.
%A Brkic E
%A Prichard I
%A Daly A
%A Dudley S
%A Beatty L
%J Patient Educ Couns
%V 127
%N 0
%D 2024 Jun 25
%M 38944983
%F 3.467
%R 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108356
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study tested the feasibility and efficacy of two iterations of a low-intensity online writing intervention, Expand Your Horizon (EYH), in improving body image and distress in a cancer population.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>In study 1 (3-session version of EYH), adult female cancer survivors (N = 201) were randomised to EYH, where they described their body functionality, or a creative writing control. Outcomes assessed at baseline and one-week follow-up included body appreciation, body dissatisfaction, and distress. In study 2 (1 session version of EYH), adult female cancer survivors (N = 65) were randomised to EYH or a neutral writing control. Outcomes (assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention and one-week follow-up) included body appreciation, body functionality appreciation, body dissatisfaction and distress.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Study 1 experienced severe attrition; only 14 participants (7 %) completed the intervention and follow-up. Study 2 had higher retention, with 74 % completing the study. In study 2, while no significant differences emerged between EYH or control, both groups significantly improved immediately post-intervention across all outcomes. No differences were found at follow-up.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>A single-session online writing intervention for cancer survivors appears to be more feasible than multi-session, however the efficacy of EYH for this population remains to be established.