The Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Training with a Positive Thinking Approach in Quality of Life and Its Dimensions Among Children with Cancer

Abstract

Objectives: Cancer is the major leading cause of death in children. Diagnosis of cancer can create numerous psychological traumas for children and decrease their quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotion regulation training with a positive thinking approach in quality of life and its dimensions among children with cancer. Methods: This quasi-experimental study is followed by a pretest, posttest, and follow-up design with a control group. Statistical population of the current study constituted of 40 children with cancer who were hospitalized in Imam Ali hospital in Zahedan from January to April 2017. Among these people, 30 individuals (15 individuals assigned to a control group and 15 individuals assigned to an experimental group) were selected using a convenience sampling method. The experimental group took part in 8 60-minute sessions of emotion regulation training with a positive thinking approach. After completing the sessions, a posttest and a 1-month follow-up were carried out. To collect data, pediatric quality of life questionnaire (PedsQL) was used. Results: Results of an analysis of covariance demonstrated that emotion regulation training, with a positive thinking approach was effective in promoting all dimensions of quality of life among children with cancer (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Given the effectiveness of emotion regulation training with a positive thinking approach in improving the dimensions of quality of life, authorities are recommended to apply this training to improve the quality of life of children with cancer.