Preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and “proof of concept” of a cultural adaptation of meaning-centered psychotherapy for Chinese immigrants with advanced cancer (MCP-Ch)
Florence Lui, Jennifer Leng, Wendy G. Lichtenthal, Rosario Costas-Muniz, Fennie Chang, Emily Kasuga, Corina Zhao, Yuelin Li, Francesca Gany, Bill Breitbart
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Source: Crossref
Published: Jan 1, 2026
DOI: 10.1017/s147895152610354x
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Abstract Objectives To determine the preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and effects of the “Meaning-in-Life Counseling Program,” a cultural adaptation of meaning-centered psychotherapy for Chinese immigrants with advanced cancer (MCP-Ch). Methods Mandarin-speaking stage III/IV cancer patients were enrolled in 2 pilot trials of MCP-Ch, a manualized, one-on-one intervention that used psychoeducation, experiential exercises, and structured discussion to explore themes related to meaning, identity, and purpose. Participants completed 6 weekly sessions in Mandarin Chinese with a bilingual interventionist, 45–60 minutes in length, via videoconferencing or phone. Participants were administered measures of spiritual well-being, quality of life (QOL), depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and meaning-in-life pre-intervention (T1) and 1-month post-intervention (T2) and were additionally administered an exit survey at T2. Descriptive data from participants who initiated MCP-Ch sessions ( n = 31) were pooled. Results In total, 31 of 42 participants across the 2 trials started the MCP-Ch intervention, and 28 completed all 6 sessions. Results showed small to moderate postintervention improvements in spiritual well-being, QOL, anxiety, and depression. Participants provided positive feedback about MCP-Ch (89% expressed satisfaction with the intervention). A majority (50–86%) suggested additional components (i.e., cancer health education, Chinese-language peer support) to increase the intervention’s relevance and acceptability. Significance of results Overall, preliminary data suggest that this 6-session, manualized intervention is associated with improvements in psychological functioning. However, feedback from stakeholders suggests additional components could enhance the intervention’s relevance. Future research should examine MCP-Ch with these additional components.
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