A Biobehavioral Intervention for Latino/Hispanic Young Adult Males with Cancer involving Goal-Focused Emotion-Regulation Therapy versus Supportive Listening

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new biobehavioral intervention called Goal-focused Emotion-Regulation Therapy (GET) for Latino/Hispanic young adult males who survived cancer diagnosed between ages 15 and 39. This study compares GET to an active control called Individual Supportive Listening (ISL). The goal is to improve distress symptoms, emotional regulation, goal navigation skills, and reduce stress-related biological markers. The trial builds on earlier research showing a high risk of distress and adverse outcomes in young Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors, aiming to address psychological and biobehavioral challenges during young adulthood. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive six sessions of GET or ISL over eight weeks. GET focuses on helping individuals set and pursue meaningful goals, regulate emotions related to cancer, and improve self-regulation skills. ISL provides supportive therapy through attentive listening and encouragement without directive advice. Both interventions are delivered individually via an interactive video platform to improve access. The study also explores how cultural factors like Familism and Acculturative Stress may influence outcomes. During the study, participants will complete assessments at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and three months later. Researchers will measure psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, spiritual well-being, career thoughts, and emotional coping, along with stress-sensitive biomarkers including inflammatory cytokines and salivary cortisol patterns. The study includes monitoring intervention feasibility and cultural influences. Participation will last about 20 weeks from baseline through follow-up.

A Biobehavioral Intervention for Latino/Hispanic Young Adults with Cancer