Evaluating an engaging and coach-assisted online cognitive behavioral therapy for depression among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A pilot feasibility trial

Abstract

Objectives Technology-assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (tCBT) has significant potentials to provide engaging and accessible depression treatment for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) coping with cancer. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an engaging and tailorable tCBT – Mind Your Total Health (MYTH) – for AYA cancer survivors’ depression.

Methods Seventeen AYAs diagnosed with cancer were randomly assigned to either the intervention (MYTH) or control group. The intervention group (n = 10) received eight weekly 30-35 minutes coach-assisted tCBT (MYTH), while the control group (n = 7) received active control, BeatingtheBlues (BtB).

Results Eight out of ten participants in the MYTH group completed at least six out of eight sessions, suggesting strong feasibility (80% completion rate) among AYAs with cancer. Efficacy outcomes indicated that participants in the MYTH group reported significant pre- and post-treatment reduction in depression, t(9) = 5.25, p < 0.001, and anxiety, t(9)=5.07, p < 0.001. Notably, participants in the MYTH group reported significantly lower post-treatment depression than participants in the BtB group, t(15) = 2.40, p < 0.05. The between-group difference reflected a significant between-group treatment effect size, d = 1.12, p < 0.05.

Discussion This engaging, tailorable, and coach-assisted tCBT intervention is promising in alleviating depression and anxiety among AYA cancer survivors. Future research needs to include larger sample size and a more diverse patient population.