NCT06246955 · Mayo Clinic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Based Virtual Group Therapy to Improve Psychological Wellbeing in Patients With Cancer
What this study is about
This clinical trial tests how well acceptance and commitment therapy and compassion based virtual group therapy works to improve psychological wellbeing, such as compassion, understanding, and flexibility, in patients with cancer.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial tests how well acceptance and commitment therapy and compassion based virtual group therapy works to improve psychological wellbeing, such as compassion, understanding, and flexibility, in patients with cancer. Receiving a cancer diagnosis, undergoing cancer treatment, and living with cancer- or treatment-related symptoms have often been found to be associated with elevated distress and decreased quality of life for individuals, even when the disease is stable or in remission. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has demonstrated considerable benefits on individuals' quality of life, psychological flexibility, and amelioration of psychological distress following a cancer diagnosis and in the face of uncertainty, loss, and challenges associated with cancer.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Behavioral Intervention: Group Therapy Session
Attend virtual group therapy sessions
OTHER
Survey Administration
Ancillary study
Primary outcome measures
Participant perceived compassion and understanding by the group therapy provider - SCQ
Time frame: From baseline to 1 month post session 6
Will be assessed based on average scores using the 5-item Sinclair Compassion Questionnaire (SCQ), answered using a 5-point scale (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, strongly agree)
Patients' self-reported psychological flexibility - COMPACT-15
Time frame: From baseline to 1 month post session 6
Will be assessed using the 15-item Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes (COMPACT-15). Questions are answered on a scale of 0-6 (strongly disagree, moderately disagree, slightly disagree, neither agree nor disagree, slightly agree, moderately agree, strongly agree).
Patients' self-reported psychological flexibility - Psy-Flex
Time frame: From baseline to 1 month post session 6
Will be assessed using the 6-item Psy-Flex scale. Questions are answered on a 5-point scale (very often, often, from time to time, seldom, very seldom) based on experiences over the past 7 days.
Physician and psychological distress - PROMIS-29
Time frame: From baseline to 1 month post session 6
Will be assessed using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29 v2.0 Profile, which assesses pain intensity using a 0-10 numeric rating scale across seven health domains (physical function, fatigue, pain interference, depressive symptoms, anxiety, ability to participate in social roles and activities, and sleep disturbance), with four items per domain.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Being an adult (18 years or older)
- Being a patient of Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Having a cancer diagnosis, having treatment planning in progress, undergoing cancer-related treatment, or having completed cancer within the past 2 years (in recent survivorship
- Experiencing stress or challenges related to cancer and having treatment goals that align with the purpose of the group
- Having self reported proficiency to read/write/speak English
- Expressing interest and commitment to attend all six virtual group sessions
Exclusion criteria
- Patients' inability to take part in and benefit from the virtual group therapy based on clinical judgment of the psychosocial oncology team member who completes the psychosocial evaluation, which may include having active suicidal or homicidal intent, experiencing uncontrolled psychotic symptoms, having untreated personality disorder/characteristics that are likely disturbing in a group setting, and/or having moderate to severe cognitive impairments
Where
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations