Dissertation - World Federation of Music Therapy

more likely a reaction to a cancer diagnosis than a personal trait contributing to
the development of cancer (Servaes et al 1999 in Zachariae 2002).
(3) Depression seems to have a very limited influence on cancer development as well
as prognosis. (Ringdal 1995 in Zachariae 2002).
(4) Social relationships are more likely to influence cancer. A good social network,
especially marriage, has a positive influence on cancer prognosis (Helgeson et al
1996 in Zachariae 2002).
Unfortunately it has not been possible to confirm the promising results of Spiegel’s
study (Spiegel 1989, 1991), indicating that group psychotherapy (psychosocial
intervention groups) may influence not only mood and perception of pain, but also
survival positively. Here, as in many other cases, replication studies have presented
mixed results. Zachariae concludes that it is still uncertain whether psychosocial
factors influence the development of cancer, however, they may influence prognosis.
Research demonstrates clearly that psychosocial interventions can improve quality of
life in cancer patients positively and may influence prognosis.
These conclusions are in agreement with core statements in other studies of the effects
of psychosocial interventions on cancer patients. (Iacovino and Reesor 1997; Meyer
and Mark 1995; Ross-Petersen 1998).
In a meta-analysis Meyer & Mark (1995) concluded, that there is no reason to doubt
the effect of psychosocial interventions. They recommended that future research
should focus on 1) more direct comparisons of treatment modalities and intervention
forms, 2) prioritize longitudinal studies of medical effect and survival, 3) examine the
possibilities of effect at lower costs.
Ross-Petersen et al. (1998) published an overview of studies researching the effects of
psychosocial interventions on survival and psychosocial well-being. They drew
attention to the fact that almost all studies suffer from methodological problems.
However, they concluded that four out of six studies reported significantly longer
survival time in the intervention groups, and that a majority of the studies focusing on
the effect of interventions on anxiety and depression reported a positive effect on
anxiety and a reduction of depression.
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