Effect of Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy on Emotional Expressiveness and Defense Mechanisms of Women With Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background: The goal of this research was to determine the effects of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) on emotional facilitation of emotional expressiveness and defense mechanisms of women with breast cancer. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. The statistical population of the study included women with breast cancer who had completed the course of chemotherapy and were referred to Raj psychodynamic center to receive psychological services. Six eligible patients were selected to enter the psychodynamic therapy program based on the Davanloo treatment approach. The participants were selected through purposive sampling and volunteered to be part of the study. Measurement instruments included the Emotional Expressiveness Questionnaire (EEQ) and Defense Style Questionnaire-40. Pre-post data were analyzed using a t test, Bonferroni correction, and one-variable covariance analysis. Results: ISTDP led to facilitation of emotional expressiveness (expression of latent feelings), reinforcement of mature mechanism, and adjustment of neurological and immature mechanisms in patients with breast cancer. Conclusion: This psychological approach can be used as a non-pharmacological treatment to improve mental health and quality of life of women with breast cancer.