Mahigir, F., Khanehkeshi, A., & Karimi, A. (2012). Psychological treatment for pain among cancer patients by rational-emotive behavior therapy—efficacy in both India and Iran. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 13, 4561–4565.

To find out the influence of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on pain intensity among patients with cancer in India and Iran

The intervention included eight two-hour sessions of REBT characterized as cognitive techniques, imagery techniques, and behavioral techniques. The intervention was given to the experimental group for 45 days (10 sessions), and at the end of the intervention, pain of patients was evaluated again. Empathy, warmth, respect, relationship building, and family dynamics were covered in the first session; personal experience assessment was covered in the second session; counseling and REBT approach were covered in the third session; REBT was covered in the fourth through seventh sessions; and coping with stress was covered in the final session. Workbooks, worksheets, and practice exercises were included in the program. What the intervention actually entailed is not clear.

• N = 88
• AGE = 21–52 years
• MALES, FEMALES: Not described
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Patients with cancer (no information about disease site or stage)
• OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: None described

• SITE: Multi-site
• SETTING TYPE: Hospital
• LOCATION: India and Iran

• PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care

• RCT

• McGill Pain Questionnaire

Because of errors in the tables, interpreting the findings is difficult. Data in the table are transposed from the information included in the narrative text; this makes interpretation of the information uncertain. The overall reliability of the data is in question.

The authors have asserted that an intervention resulted in reduction in pain perception, as measured by the McGill Pain Questionnaire, in an experimental group receiving REBT when compared with a control group. However, discrepancies in the article make interpretation difficult.

• Small sample (less than 100)
• Measurement validity/reliability questionable
• Other limitations/explanation: Rigor of scientific reporting is questionable.

Nurses are well aware that psychoeducational interventions can affect pain control. This study aims to support that contention. This study does not provide additional strong support in this area because of multiple study limitations.