According to a recent report in the May issue of Psychological Bulletin, psychotherapy and support groups do not extend the lives of cancer patients.The author of the study, Dr. James C. Coyne said, "Many cancer patients find considerable emotional and social benefits to participating in group therapy or support groups. If they are satisfied with those experiences, they should continue them but they should not be there if it is only because they believe that they are prolonging their lives or slowing the progression of their cancer." Previously, there had been some thought that psychotherapy did have a life-lengthening effect. The researchers reviewed over 11 studies to come to this new conclusion.
Coyne also noted that more research needs to be done to uncover specifically which types of cancer patients benefit from psychotherapy and support groups and which types of cancer patients do not and might be affected in a negative way.
Dr. Coyne's conclusions makes sense to me. If an individual is satisfied and feels that psychotherapy or a support group is improving the quality of their life, they should continue it. If not, then they should feel empowered to explore other actions to improve their daily mental well-being.
