Problem Solving Therapy for Prostate Cancer Spousal Caregivers

Problem-solving therapy programs have been shown to be effective among parents of children
diagnosed with cancer. Efforts have been made to apply this same strategy to
spouses/significant others of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The purpose of this study
is to test the efficacy of problem-solving therapy on the spouses of prostate cancer
patients.

Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group which received problem-solving
therapy, or to a control group which relied on their standard methods of coping (e.g. their
normal therapist, family and friends).

Participants completed baseline surveys regarding their distress and coping prior to
randomization. They then completed these surveys again 2 months and 6 months after
participation to determine lasting effects of the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosed with prostate cancer within 18 months of study enrollment.

- The patient and significant other cohabited

- Couples resided in San Diego County

- Both patient and significant other were sufficiently proficient in English

Exclusion Criteria: