Exploring Dignity Therapy for Older Cancer Patients
Dignity Therapy for Older Cancer Patients: Identifying Mechanisms and Moderators
This study is looking at how Dignity Therapy can help older cancer patients feel more respected and valued by guiding them to share their life stories, and it aims to find out how the conversations between patients and therapists can make this therapy even better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10692706 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates Dignity Therapy (DT), a therapeutic approach aimed at preserving the dignity of older cancer patients as they face serious health declines. The therapy involves a trained therapist guiding patients to create a structured narrative of their life, which has been reported to enhance their sense of dignity. The study will analyze interactions between patients and therapists to understand how communication and the richness of life narratives contribute to the effectiveness of DT. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to improve patient-centered communication in clinical settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with cancer who are experiencing declines in their health.
Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with cancer or who are not in advanced stages of illness may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the quality of life for older cancer patients by providing them with a greater sense of dignity during their illness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results for Dignity Therapy, but this study aims to empirically investigate its mechanisms, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bylund, Carma L. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Bylund, Carma L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.