EFFICACY OF METHODS OF EMOTIONAL DISCLOSURE (VERBAL / WRITTEN) TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world. These diseases
and their treatment influence the quality of life functions. Psychological treatment can improve the
quality of life of these patients. The present study made an attempt to comparatively study the efficacy
of emotional disclosure practices using verbal/writing on improving the quality of life for women with
breast cancer in Tabriz.
Materials & Methods: Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, a sample of 30 women with breast
cancer from breast cancer support community members in Tabriz were selected randomly into two
experimental groups and control group (n = 15 in each group). Data collection included questionnaires
EORTCQLQ_C30.V.3 along with BR23.V.3 questionnaire belonging to the European Organization
for Cancer Research and Treatment, respectively. In the implementation process, emotional disclosure
group was trained for 4 sessions to impart unpleasant memories associated with the disease, and the
control group did not receive any intervention.
Results: The results of co-variance test showed that emotional disclosure in women with breast cancer
improve quality of life on the components of physical function, cognitive, social, emotional, and
general quality and symptoms but has no effect on sexual function and role playing elements, and
there was no difference between mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and emotional disclosure.
Conclusion: We can take advantage of these methods as complementary therapies in oncology centers
along with medical treatment