Comparative study on impact of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Integrated Cognitive Behavioural and Art Based Therapy on Distress Cognitive distortions, Depression, Anxiety, Hope and Quality of Life among Children with cancer

A trained psycho oncologist after obtaining consent, will conduct the first baseline assessment - the level of Distress(using the Paediatric Distress thermometer) experienced by the child (ENGLISH/TAMIL speaking). If the score is 4 and above and IQ above 90 and Medical fitness given by treating Oncologist to undergo Cognitive behavior therapy and or Art based therapy, the other baseline assessments – Automatic thoughts, Anxiety, Depression and Quality of life of the child will be assessed.

The eligible samples are randomly assigned by the Biostatistics department for Intervention. Random assignment of 93 children with cancer in the Intervention Arm – 1 (Cognitive Behavior Therapy - 40 minutes) and 93 children with cancer in the Intervention Arm – 2 (Cognitive Behavior and Art Based Therapy - 20 + 40 minutes with break) alternatively as per the admissions over the period of data collection.

The CBT module is based on Aaron Beck & Judith Beck Model (derived from Beck model by the Investigator, a clinical psychologist) and Art based Therapy is based on Cathy Malchiodi techniques (helped by Art Therapist to develop the Art based therapy module ). Each child is given 6 intervention sessions lasting for 40 to 60 minutes one-to-one over a period of 1 month.

Post intervention, after a week, the Psycho-oncologist will do the post assessment of distress, Automatic thoughts, Anxiety, Depression and Quality of life. One month and 6 months post intervention a follow-up assessment is done along with focus group discussion.