Testing a self-compassion program to reduce stigma in lung cancer patients
Adapting and Testing a Novel Self-Compassion Intervention to Reduce Lung Cancer Stigma
This study is testing a 10-week online program that helps lung cancer patients build self-compassion and mindfulness to see if it can reduce the stigma they face and improve their well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Loyola Marymount University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06191939 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot clinical trial aims to evaluate a tailored mindfulness-based intervention called Mindful Self-Compassion for Lung Cancer (MSC-LC) for adults diagnosed with lung cancer who experience stigma. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the MSC-LC intervention, a 10-week virtual group program focused on developing mindfulness and self-compassion skills, or a waitlist control group that receives mental health resource referrals. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the intervention, as well as gather qualitative data to understand its impact. The goal is to address the pervasive stigma associated with lung cancer, which negatively affects patients' quality of life and mental health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed lung cancer diagnosis who report elevated levels of lung cancer stigma.
Not a fit: Patients who have recently completed a similar mindfulness training or those with significant personality dysfunction may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce stigma and improve the mental well-being of lung cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: While mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in other contexts, this specific adaptation for lung cancer stigma is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Is at least 18 years of age as per self report; * Has a confirmed lung cancer diagnosis, as per self-report and confirmed by clinician judgment or medical record note; * Endorses elevated levels of lung cancer stigma (scores \>37.5 on the Lung Cancer Stigma Inventory) * Able to read and respond to questions in English Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to understand study procedures or informed consent process, or significant personality dysfunction likely to interfere with study participation, as per study clinician's judgment * Completed a course of Mindful Self-Compassion or an equivalent meditation training in the last year * Use of antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, or mood stabilizing medication(s) for which the dose has been initiated or changed within the 8 weeks prior to study entry
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- Loyola Marymount University — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Timothy J Williamson, Ph.D., MPH — Loyola Marymount University
- Study coordinator: Timothy J Williamson, Ph.D., MPH
- Email: timothy.williamson@lmu.edu
- Phone: 310-568-6148
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.