Journal of Pediatric Psychology Advance Access originally published online on December 17, 2008
Journal of Pediatric Psychology 2009 34(5):551-563; doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsn124
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This article appears in the following Journal of Pediatric Psychology issue: Special Issue: eHealth in Pediatric Psychology [View the issue table of contents]
Report from a Multi-Institutional Randomized Clinical Trial Examining Computer-Assisted Problem-Solving Skills Training for English- and Spanish-Speaking Mothers of Children with Newly Diagnosed Cancer
1Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 2Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester Medical Center, 3Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center of Miller Children's Hospital, Long Beach, 4Colorado Health Outcomes Program, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 5Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, 6Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 7Schneider Children's Medical Center, 8Texas A & M University, 9Department of Behavioral Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and 10Department of Behavioral Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
All correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Martha A. Askins, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Unit 87, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA. E-mail: maskins{at}mdanderson.org
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Abstract |
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Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA)-based supplement for maternal Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) and to explore Spanish-speaking mothers’ experiences with it. Methods Mothers (n = 197) of children with newly diagnosed cancer were randomized to traditional PSST or PSST + PDA 8-week programs. Participants completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Profile of Mood States, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised pre-, post-treatment, and 3 months after completion of the intervention. Mothers also rated optimism, logic, and confidence in the intervention and technology. Results Both groups demonstrated significant positive change over time on all psychosocial measures. No between-group differences emerged. Despite technological "glitches," mothers expressed moderately high optimism, appreciation for logic, and confidence in both interventions and rated the PDA-based program favorably. Technology appealed to all Spanish-speaking mothers, with younger mothers showing greater proficiency. Conclusions Well-designed, supported technology holds promise for enhancing psychological interventions.
Key words: computer-assisted therapy; coping; mothers; e-health; pediatric cancer; problem-solving therapy; stress.
Received October 31, 2008; revision received November 3, 2008; accepted November 3, 2008