Cited by 59Cancer survivorship and careOptimism, Hope, and Well-beingChildhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life

A Hope-based intervention to address disrupted goal pursuits and quality of life among young adult cancer survivors

Open access
Berg, Carla J., Vanderpool, Robin C., Getachew, Betelihem, Payne, Jackelyn B., Johnson, Meghan F., Sandridge, Yasmeni, Bierhoff, Jennifer, Le, Lana +5 more·2020·Journal of Cancer Education

Abstract

Over 70,000 US young adults are diagnosed with cancer annually, disrupting important life transitions and goal pursuits. Hope is a positive psychology construct associated with better quality of life (QOL) that focuses on goal-oriented thinking. We developed and tested Achieving Wellness After Kancer in Early life (AWAKE), a scalable 8-week app-based program consisting of educational videos, mood/activity tracking, and telephone-based coaching to promote hope and QOL in young adult cancer survivors (YACS, 18-40 years old). A two-arm RCT was used to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of AWAKE (n = 38) versus attention control (AC; n = 18) among YACS within 2 years of completing treatment and recruited from two NCI-designated cancer centers. Outcomes including hope (Trait Hope Scale), QOL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and substance use were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 6 months. Participants were an average of 32.55 (SD = 5.45) years old; 75.0% were female, and 80.4% White. The most common cancers were breast cancer (28.6%), melanoma (16.1%), and leukemia/lymphoma (12.5%). High retention, engagement, and satisfaction rates were documented in both conditions; AWAKE versus AC participants rated video content as more relevant (p = 0.007) and reported greater likelihood of talking positively about the program (p = 0.005). Many efficacy change scores showed positive trends in AWAKE versus AC. Reorienting to one's goal pursuits after cancer diagnosis and treatment is critical and may be supported through hope-based interventions. Findings suggest that the AWAKE warrants subsequent research testing its efficacy, effectiveness, and scalability.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s13187-019-01574-7

Cites

40 of 40 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 29 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    AWAKE participants were more likely than AC participants to have talked with friends or family about the program and comment positively about it (p=.005).

    “Compared to AC participants, AWAKE participants were more likely to have talked with friends or family about the program and comment positively about it (p=.005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Large proportions of AWAKE and AC participants recommended keeping coaching in the program (94.3% and 88.2%, respectively).

    “large proportions of AWAKE and AC participants recommended keeping the coaching in the program (94.3% and 88.2%, respectively).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    At follow-up, greater increases in SF-36 physical functioning were related to higher rates of completion of any AWAKE component (r=.39, p=.020).

    “At FU, two outcomes were related to higher engagement in the program: 1) greater increases in SF-36 physical functioning (related to higher rates of completion of any component: r=.39, p=.020);”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Over 80% of AWAKE participants recommended keeping behavior/mood tracking and homework in the program.

    “Over 80% of AWAKE participants also recommended keeping the behavior/mood tracking and homework in the program.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    High proportions of participants in both groups (>88%) indicated they would recommend the program to friends who are cancer survivors.

    “High proportions of participants in both groups (>88%) indicated that they would recommend the program to friends who are cancer survivors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 14
  • May combine two claims. 34
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The final sample size was 56 after excluding 7 withdrawals.

    “Excluding withdrawals (n=7, most of whom withdrew due to time constraints), our final sample size was N=56.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participants had a mean age of 32.55 years (SD=5.45); 75.0% were female, 80.4% White, 7.1% Hispanic, and 67.9% married or living with a partner.

    “Participants were an average 32.55 (SD=5.45) years old; 75.0% were female, 80.4% White, 7.1% Hispanic, and 67.9% married or living with their partner (Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At follow-up, greater reductions in number of days of alcohol use were related to more videos watched (r=−.62, p<.001), more coaching calls completed (r=−.62, p<.001), and higher rates of completion of any AWAKE component (r=−.68, p<.001).

    “2) greater reductions in number of days of alcohol use (related to more videos watched: r=−.62, p<.001; more coaching calls completed: r=−.62, p<.001; and higher rates of completion of any component: r=−.68, p<.001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At end-of-treatment, greater increases in SF-36 pain-related functioning were related to more videos watched (r=.63, p<.001), more coaching calls completed (r=.40, p=.022), and higher rates of completion of any AWAKE component (r=.59, p<.001).

    “At EOT, three outcomes were related to higher engagement in the program: 1) greater increases in SF-36 pain-related functioning (related to more videos watched: r=.63, p<.001; more coaching calls completed: r=.40, p=.022; and higher rates of completion of any component: r=.59, p<.001);”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Greater improvements from baseline to follow-up were found in overall hope (p=.083), pathways thinking (p=.052), and SF-36 general health (p=.038) among AWAKE versus AC participants.

    “Particularly noteworthy trends included greater improvements from baseline to FU in overall hope (p=.083) and pathways thinking (p=.052), as well as general health (per the SF-36, p=.038);”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At end-of-treatment, greater reductions in number of days of alcohol use were related to more videos watched (r=−.49, p=.002), more coaching calls completed (r=−.40, p=.013), and higher rates of completion of any AWAKE component (r=−.52, p=.001).

    “3) greater reductions in number of days of alcohol use (related to more videos watched: r=−.49, p=.002; more coaching calls completed: r=−.40, p=.013; and higher rates of completion of any component: r=−.52, p=.001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A vast majority of participants recommended keeping the videos and coaching and indicated they would recommend the program (>88%), and on average they were highly satisfied.

    “a vast majority of participants recommended keeping the videos and coaching in the program and indicated that they would recommend the program (>88%); on average, they also indicated being highly satisfied with the program.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Greater improvements from baseline to end-of-treatment were found in FACT-G social/family well-being (p=.078) and PHQ-9 depressive symptoms (p=.061) among AWAKE versus AC participants.

    “greater improvements from baseline to EOT were also found in social/family well-being (per the FACT-G, p=.078) and depressive symptoms (per the PHQ-9, p=.061).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The study included a broad range of cancer types and participants within two years of treatment completion, underscoring diversity in cancer-related factors and sociodemographic diversity.

    “However, we included a broad range of cancer types and those within two years of treatment completion, underscoring the diversity of the sample in terms of cancer-related factors, not to mention the sociodemographic diversity of the sample.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The study maintained high retention (exceeding 85%) and adherence (80% exceeding 75% retention).

    “We were also able to maintain high retention (exceeding 85%) and adherence (80% exceeding 75% retention).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Few significant differences were found in change scores, but many change scores trended in the anticipated direction of greater improvements among AWAKE versus AC participants.

    “While few significant differences were found, many change scores trended in the anticipated direction (i.e., greater improvements among AWAKE vs. AC participants).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    No participants reported cigarette use, so that outcome was not reported.

    “(No participants reported cigarette use, so this outcome was not reported in the results.)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At end-of-treatment, greater increases in FACT-G physical well-being were related to more videos watched (r=.34, p=.050) and higher rates of completion of any AWAKE component (r=.39, p=.024).

    “2) greater increases in FACT-G physical well-being (related to more videos watched: r=.34, p=.050; and higher rates of completion of any component: r=.39, p=.024);”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Days of marijuana use increased in AWAKE participants but decreased in AC participants (p=.053).

    “One trend was identified in the unexpected direction – days of marijuana use increased in AWAKE participants but decreased in AC participants (p=.053).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The most common cancer types were breast (28.6%), melanoma (16.1%), and leukemia/lymphoma (12.5%), and average time since diagnosis was 2.07 years (SD=0.77).

    “The most common cancer types were breast (28.6%), melanoma (16.1%), and leukemia/lymphoma (12.5%), and average time since diagnosis was 2.07 (SD=0.77) years.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Integrating positive psychology, particularly hope, into YACS patient care might enhance mental health, coping, health behaviors, and overall QOL.

    “Integrating positive psychology – and hope in particular – into YACS patient care might be strategic in the process of enhancing mental health [33], coping [24, 26, 27, 33], health behaviors [28–30], and overall QOL [31, 33].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [33] Cheavens J, Feldman DB, Gum A, Michael ST, Snyder CR (2006) Hope therapy in a community sample. Soc Indic Res 77:61–78 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [24] Snyder CR (2002) Hope theory: rainbows in the mind. Psychol Inq 13:249–275 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [26] Stanton AL, Danoff-Burg S, Cameron CL, Bishop M, Collins CA, Kirk SB, Sworowski LA (2000) Emotionally expressive coping predicts psychological and physical adjustment to breast cancer. J Consult Clin Psychol 68(5):875–882 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Berg CJ, Snyder CR, Hamilton N (2008) The effectiveness of a hope intervention in coping with cold pressor pain. J Health Psychol 13(6):804–809 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [28] Berg CJ, Ritschel LA, Swan DW, An LC, Ahluwalia JS (2011) The role of hope in engaging in healthy behaviors among college students. Am J Health Behav 35(4):402–415

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [29] Coleman S, Berg CJ, Thompson NJ (2014) Social support, nutrition intake, and physical activity in cancer survivors. Am J Health Behav 38(3):414–419 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [30] Berg CJ, Thomas AN, Mertens AC, Schauer GL, Pinsker EA, Ahluwalia JS, Khuri FR (2012) Correlates of continued smoking versus cessation among survivors of smoking-related cancers. Psycho-Oncology 22(4):799–806 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Only two baseline differences were found between AWAKE and AC: more AC participants were married or living with a partner (p=.031), and AWAKE participants had higher role limitations due to physical health scores (p=.042).

    “Only two differences between the AWAKE and AC conditions were found; specifically, more AC than AWAKE participants were married or living with a partner (p=.031) and AWAKE participants had higher scores on role limitations due to physical health compared to AC participants (p=.042), indicating higher functioning.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Current findings, along with prior studies, suggest that hope is a highly relevant and potentially impactful intervention target, particularly for YACS, and could be addressed through a scalable intervention such as AWAKE.

    “Current findings, along with findings of these other studies, suggest that hope is a highly relevant and potentially impactful intervention target, particularly for YACS [2], and could be addressed through a scalable intervention such as AWAKE.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] Hullmann SE, Robb SL, Rand KL (2015) Life goals in patients with cancer: a systematic review of the literature. Psycho-Oncology 25(4):387–399 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A hope-based intervention by Rustoen et al. increased hope immediately after therapy but hope decreased at three and twelve months post-treatment.

    “Results indicated an increase in hope levels immediately after therapy, but reductions in hope thereafter (three and twelve months post-treatment).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] Rustoen T, Cooper BA, Miaskowski C (2011) A longitudinal study of the effects of a hope intervention on levels of hope and psychological distress in a community-based sample of oncology patients. Eur J Oncol Nurs 15(4):351–357 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study was limited by a small sample size, which limited detection of differences between groups, particularly effects of AWAKE versus AC.

    “Study limitations include small sample size, limiting the extent to which we could detect differences between groups, particularly effects of the AWAKE intervention versus AC.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Cronbach's alphas for FACT-G well-being subscales were .84, .84, .81, and .89.

    “Cronbach’s alphas for each of the well-being subscales were as follows: physical: .84, social/family: .84, emotional: .81, and functional: .89.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Cronbach's alphas for SF-36 subscales ranged from .79 to .94.

    “Cronbach’s alpha for each subscale were as follows: physical functioning: .89, role limitations due to physical health: .82, role limitations due to emotional problems: .89, energy/fatigue: .84, emotional well-being: .79, social functioning: .85, pain: .94, and general health: .83.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In 2018, an estimated 70,000 new cancer cases were diagnosed among adolescents and young adults aged 15-39 in the US.

    “In 2018, 70,000 new cancer cases were estimated to be diagnosed among adolescents and young adults between ages 15–39 [3].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3] NCI Surveillance, E., and End Results Program (SEER) (2018) NCI Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) 2018. https://seer.cancer.gov/. Accessed April 16, 2019

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to AWAKE versus AC to allow examination of associations between AWAKE engagement and outcomes.

    “We randomized participants in a 2:1 ratio for the AWAKE intervention versus AC condition in order to be able to examine associations between engagement in the AWAKE intervention in relation to outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Participants were randomized to study arms using a pre-determined blocked random number sequence, stratified by sex and age.

    “randomized to a study arm per a pre-determined blocked random number sequence, with stratification of sex (male vs. female) and age (18–30 vs. 31–39 years old).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The PHQ-9 has a range of 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more depressive symptoms, and its baseline Cronbach's alpha was .77.

    “This measure has a range of 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating higher depressive symptoms. Cronbach’s alpha for this measure at baseline was .77.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The operationalization of hope by Snyder and used in this study transcends the ways hope may be differentially valued or perceived across cultures or religious groups.

    “the operationalization of hope by Snyder [24] and used in this study transcends the ways in which hope may be differentially valued or perceived across cultures or religious groups.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [24] Snyder CR (2002) Hope theory: rainbows in the mind. Psychol Inq 13:249–275 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    There was inherent difficulty ascertaining differences between those enrolled and retained versus those not enrolled or retained.

    “In addition, there was inherent difficulty ascertaining differences between those enrolled and retained versus those not enrolled or retained.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Young adult cancer survivors report more life goal disturbances than older cancer patients, and these disturbances are linked to negative psychological outcomes.

    “compared to older patients, young adult cancer survivors (YACS) report more life goal disturbances [2], which are related to negative psychological outcomes [2].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] Hullmann SE, Robb SL, Rand KL (2015) Life goals in patients with cancer: a systematic review of the literature. Psycho-Oncology 25(4):387–399 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Hope-based interventions can increase some psychological strengths, reduce some psychopathology symptoms, and enhance coping with physical symptoms.

    “These results suggest that hope-based interventions can increase some psychological strengths, reduce some symptoms of psychopathology, and enhance coping with physical symptoms.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The study used a strong AC condition to control for time spent in coaching and attending to intervention content, which may have impacted ability to detect differences.

    “we used a strong AC condition, as we aimed to have sufficient relevance of the content to engage participants in order to control for time spent in coaching and attending to intervention content. This may have impacted our ability to detect differences/effects.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    More than 60% of adolescents and young adults experience adverse physical, psychosocial, or behavioral outcomes months or years after cancer treatment.

    “Over 60% of adolescents and young adults will suffer adverse physical, psychosocial, and/or behavioral outcomes months or years after completion of cancer treatment [3–6].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [3] NCI Surveillance, E., and End Results Program (SEER) (2018) NCI Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) 2018. https://seer.cancer.gov/. Accessed April 16, 2019

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [4] Ketterl TG, Syrjala KL, Casillas J, Jacobs LA, Palmer SC, McCabe MS, Ganz PA, Overholser L, Partridge A, Rajotte EJ, Rosenberg AR, Risendal B, Rosenstein DL, Baker KS (2019) Lasting effects of cancer and its treatment on employment and finances in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Cancer 125(11):1908–1917 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [5] Tai E, Buchanan N, Townsend J, Fairley T, Moore A, Richardson LC (2012) Health status of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Cancer 118(19):4884–4891 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Tai E, Buchanan N, Westervelt L, Elimam D, Lawvere S (2014) Treatment setting, clinical trial enrollment, and subsequent outcomes among adolescents with cancer: a literature review. Pediatrics 133:S91–S97 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Higher hope is associated with lower binge drinking and smoking, more exercise, and better nutrition in groups including young adults and cancer survivors.

    “higher hope – in groups including young adults and cancer survivors – is related to lower rates of binge drinking and smoking, more frequent exercising, and better nutrition [28–30]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [28] Berg CJ, Ritschel LA, Swan DW, An LC, Ahluwalia JS (2011) The role of hope in engaging in healthy behaviors among college students. Am J Health Behav 35(4):402–415

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [29] Coleman S, Berg CJ, Thompson NJ (2014) Social support, nutrition intake, and physical activity in cancer survivors. Am J Health Behav 38(3):414–419 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [30] Berg CJ, Thomas AN, Mertens AC, Schauer GL, Pinsker EA, Ahluwalia JS, Khuri FR (2012) Correlates of continued smoking versus cessation among survivors of smoking-related cancers. Psycho-Oncology 22(4):799–806 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    No differences were found in retention at end-of-treatment or follow-up (exceeding 85%) or in number of coaching calls completed (averages exceeding 6 of 8 possible calls).

    “No differences were found in relation to retention at EOT or FU (exceeding 85%) or number of coaching calls completed (averages exceeding 6 of 8 possible calls).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The sample size allowed for 20% attrition from baseline to follow-up, yielding 15 in the AC group, and was sufficient to provide information on feasibility and acceptability and to estimate effect sizes for a subsequent efficacy trial.

    “Allowing for 20% attrition from baseline to FU data collection (yielding 15 in the AC group), our sample size was able to yield valuable information regarding feasibility and acceptability. Additionally, this sample size allowed for estimating effect sizes to inform the design of the subsequent efficacy trial.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The AWAKE intervention was based on an empirically supported protocol and augmented with additional evidence-based strategies, and it specifically targets the needs of YACS.

    “The AWAKE intervention was based on an empirically-supported protocol [33], augmented with additional evidence-based strategies [27], and specifically targets the needs of YACS.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [33] Cheavens J, Feldman DB, Gum A, Michael ST, Snyder CR (2006) Hope therapy in a community sample. Soc Indic Res 77:61–78 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Berg CJ, Snyder CR, Hamilton N (2008) The effectiveness of a hope intervention in coping with cold pressor pain. J Health Psychol 13(6):804–809 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Cronbach's alpha for the Trait Hope Scale total, agency, and pathways subscales at baseline were .95, .91, and .89, respectively.

    “Cronbach’s alpha for the total scale and for the agency and pathways subscales at baseline were .95, .91, and .89, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Higher hope is associated with better adjustment in coping with breast cancer and better pain tolerance.

    “higher hope is related to better adjustment in coping with cancer, specifically breast cancer [26], as well as better pain tolerance [27].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [26] Stanton AL, Danoff-Burg S, Cameron CL, Bishop M, Collins CA, Kirk SB, Sworowski LA (2000) Emotionally expressive coping predicts psychological and physical adjustment to breast cancer. J Consult Clin Psychol 68(5):875–882 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Berg CJ, Snyder CR, Hamilton N (2008) The effectiveness of a hope intervention in coping with cold pressor pain. J Health Psychol 13(6):804–809 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The sample size allowed detection of a two-point change in hope scores, a 10-point change in SF-36 scores, a 15-point change in FACT-G scores, and a two-point change in PHQ-9 scores.

    “This sample size allowed us to detect a two-point change hope scores, a 10-point change in SF-36 scores, a 15-point change in FACT-G scores, and a two-point change in PHQ-9 scores.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Hope is a subconstruct within quality of life that is particularly relevant for young adult cancer survivors.

    “Hope is a subconstruct within the broader domain of QOL [23] that may be particularly relevant and important for YACS.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] Ferrell BR, Hassey Dow K, Grant M (1995) Measurement of the quality of life in cancer survivors. Qual Life Res 4(6):523–531 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A randomized wait-list control trial of an eight-session group treatment emphasizing goal-pursuit skills increased hope, life meaning, and self-esteem and reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in a community sample.

    “Findings from a randomized, wait-list control trial using a community sample indicated that this intervention demonstrated efficacy in increasing hope, life meaning, and self-esteem as well as reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety [33].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [33] Cheavens J, Feldman DB, Gum A, Michael ST, Snyder CR (2006) Hope therapy in a community sample. Soc Indic Res 77:61–78 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    This study provides preliminary data suggesting that an app-based positive psychology intervention targeting hope is feasible and acceptable, with outcomes indicating trends such that AWAKE versus AC participants demonstrated larger improvements in psychological, functional, and substance use outcomes.

    “This study provides preliminary data suggesting that an app-based positive psychology intervention, specifically targeting hope, is feasible and acceptable, with outcomes indicating trends such that participants in the AWAKE versus AC conditions demonstrated larger improvements in psychological, functional, and substance use outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
42 of 42
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Few resources currently address the psychosocial needs of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

    “However, few resources currently address these needs.”
1 of 1

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Hope-based interventions have been shown effective in improving hope, quality of life, and mental health in young adult cancer survivors.

    “as well as hope, quality of life, and mental health in YA cancer survivors [14].”

    From A digital, coach-assisted intervention to address the psychosocial needs of young adult cancer survivors: Randomized controlled trial protocol and intervention adaptation process (2024) · cites this paper as [14]

    The Results (Primary and Secondary Outcomes; page unavailable) report trends toward improvements in hope, aspects of quality of life, and depressive symptoms among young adult cancer survivors, but say that few differences between the intervention and control groups were significant. The Discussion (Conclusions; page unavailable) calls these preliminary findings and recommends a further trial to test efficacy. Thus, the paper does not establish that hope-based interventions have been shown effective across all three outcomes. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • The pilot intervention demonstrated high satisfaction (3.14 on 0-4 scale; 88.9% would recommend to peers).

    “high satisfaction (3.14 on 0-4 scale; 88.9% would recommend to peers)”

    From A digital, coach-assisted intervention to address the psychosocial needs of young adult cancer survivors: Randomized controlled trial protocol and intervention adaptation process (2024) · cites this paper as [14]

    The Results (Feasibility and Acceptability; page not available) report that more than 88% of participants in both groups would recommend the program to friends who are cancer survivors. The Discussion says participants were highly satisfied on average. Our copy does not give the claimed 3.14 score, 0–4 scale, or exact 88.9% figure. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • The pilot results indicated areas for improvement, including overall satisfaction (M=3.14, SD=1.17), content relevance (M=3.14, SD=1.00), and engagement in homework activities (M=4.50, SD=2.31 of 8 completed).

    “results indicated areas for improvement, for example, to increase overall satisfaction (M=3.14, SD=1.17), content relevance (M=3.14, SD=1.00 of 0=not at all to 4=very satisfied/relevant), and engagement in homework activities (M=4.50, SD=2.31 of 8 completed) [14].”

    From A digital, coach-assisted intervention to address the psychosocial needs of young adult cancer survivors: Randomized controlled trial protocol and intervention adaptation process (2024) · cites this paper as [14]

    The Methods (Measures/Data Collection; page unavailable) say the study assessed satisfaction and use of intervention components, and the Results (Feasibility and Acceptability; page unavailable) discuss video relevance and homework engagement. The passages in our copy do not give the cited means, standard deviations, or rating scale, so those numerical details cannot be verified. The Discussion describes participants as highly satisfied rather than identifying satisfaction as an area needing improvement. (LLM, conf=0.82)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • The pilot intervention demonstrated high engagement in intervention components (average coaching sessions M=6.16, videos M=6.79, homework M=4.50).

    “high engagement in intervention components (of 8 weeks, average number of completions: coaching sessions M=6.16, SD=2.83; videos M=6.79, SD=2.00; homework M=4.50, SD=2.31)”

    From A digital, coach-assisted intervention to address the psychosocial needs of young adult cancer survivors: Randomized controlled trial protocol and intervention adaptation process (2024) · cites this paper as [14]

    The Results (Feasibility and Acceptability; page unavailable) report an average of more than six of eight coaching calls, and the Discussion describes high adherence. Our copy does not give the claimed exact means or standard deviations for coaching, videos, or homework; it refers to Table 3 without reproducing those figures. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • The 2017-2018 pilot trial developed and tested an 8-week app-based intervention with interactive phone-based coaching versus an attention control focused on finances among young adult cancer survivors recruited from 2 cancer centers (n=56; ages 18-39, within 2 years of completing primary treatment).

    “In 2017-2018, our team developed and tested an 8-week app-based intervention with interactive phone-based coaching (vs. AC focused on finances) via an RCT among YA cancer survivors recruited from 2 cancer centers (n=56; ages 18-39, within 2 years of completing primary treatment; average age=32.55, SD=5.45; 75.0% female, 80.4% White, 28.6% breast cancer, 16.1% melanoma, 12.5% leukemia/lymphoma) [14”

    From A digital, coach-assisted intervention to address the psychosocial needs of young adult cancer survivors: Randomized controlled trial protocol and intervention adaptation process (2024) · cites this paper as [14]

    Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • SF-36 subscale count does not match the paper's list

    Minor

    The methods say the SF-36 has nine subscales, but the subsequent list, described as covering each subscale, names only eight. The additional one-item measure is identified separately.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. American Cancer Society (2018) Cancer facts & figures 2018. Atlanta, American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2018/cancer-facts-and-figures-2018.pdf. Accessed April 16, 2019
  2. LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance (2014) Closing the gap: a strategic plan: addressing the recommendations of the Adolescent and young adult Oncology progress Review Group. Austin, Lance Armstrong Foundation, p 2007
  3. Cheavens J, Gum A, Snyder CR (2000) The Trait Hope Scale. In: Maltby CAL, Hill A (eds) Handbook of psychological tests. Mellen Press, Lampeter, pp 248–258

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Berg, C. J., Vanderpool, R. C., Getachew, B., Payne, J. B., Johnson, M. F., Sandridge, Y., Bierhoff, J., Le, L., Johnson, R., Weber, A., Patterson, A., Dorvil, S., & Mertens, A.
Affiliations
  • Emory University (US)
  • University of Kentucky (US)
  • Stony Brook University (US)
Corresponding author
Berg, Carla J.
Venue
Journal of Cancer Education
Published
2019-07-11
Volume
35
Issue
6
Pages
1158-1169
ISSN
  • 0885-8195 (ISSN-L)
  • 1543-0154
OpenAlex
W2957333726
Cited by
59
References
40
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 1
FWCI
2.40
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Cancer Education (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute (P30 CA138292)
  • Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (P30 CA177558)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life
Keywords
hope, young adult cancer survivors, quality of life, goal pursuit, mobile health intervention, telephone coaching, educational videos, depressive symptoms, substance use, feasibility and acceptability, breast cancer, melanoma, leukemia and lymphoma
MeSH terms
Cancer Survivors, Adolescent, Adult, Behavior Therapy, Female, Goals, Humans, Male, Neoplasms, Quality of Life, Self Efficacy, Young Adult, Hope

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-09-28.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-09-28.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review