Effectiveness of group hope therapy on decreasing psychological distress among women with breast cancer

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of hope therapy in reducing distress of women with breast cancer. This research was quasi experimental with a pre and post-test and a control group design. The statistical population included all women diagnosed as having breast cancer who were attending Shahid Beheshti Medical University’s Cancer Research Center during 2013-14. Thirty patients were selected based on accessibility and were divided randomly into an experimental and a control group. The Kessler Distress Test was administered at pre and post- test to both groups. Hope therapy was conducted. The experimental group received eight 90 minute sessions of hope therapy. Results of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that hope therapy had reduced distress in women with breast cancer. Since hope therapy strategies can reduce distress in women with breast cancer, hope therapy may be suggested as a complementary therapy alongside medical treatment.