Adapting Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy in Advanced Cancer for the Chinese Immigrant Population

The Chinese immigrant community faces multiple barriers to quality cancer care and cancer survivorship. Meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) is an empirically-based treatment shown to significantly reduce psychological distress while increasing spiritual well-being and a sense of meaning and purpose in life in advanced cancer patients. However, it has not yet been adapted for racial and ethnic minority populations for whom the concept of “meaning” may likely differ from that of westernized White populations. In this study, we conducted a community needs assessment to inform the cultural adaptation of MCP for Chinese patients with advanced cancer, in accordance with Bernal et al. ecological validity model and the cultural adaptation process model of Domenech-Rodriquez and Weiling. We conducted interviews until saturation with 11 key Chinese-serving community leaders and health professionals with a range of areas of expertise (i.e. oncology, psychology, palliative care, cancer support services), to examine community needs, priorities, and preferences within the context of the MCP intervention. Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed. The research team analyzed the transcripts using Atlas.ti. Six frequently occurring themes were identified. Interviewees described the role of the family, traditional Chinese values, cancer stigma, and social norms (e.g. saving face) in adapting MCP. Researchers and clinicians should consider the role of the family in treatment, as well as specific social and cultural values and beliefs in adapting and delivering MCP for Chinese patients with advanced cancer.