Toseland, R.W., Blanchard, C.G., & McCallion, P. (1995). A problem solving intervention for caregivers of cancer patients. Social Science and Medicine, 40, 517–528.

An experienced oncology social worker with a master’s degree in social work led six individual, one-hour counseling sessions. All participants attended at least four sessions. The sessions included three components: support, problem solving, and coping skills.

• The sample (N = 78) was comprised of caregivers of patients who had received a cancer diagnosis at least three months prior.
• Patients scored a 1–3 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Global Performance Scale.

Regional medical oncology center

The study was a properly designed randomized controlled trial: intervention (n = 38) versus standard available care (n = 40).

• Zarit Burden Inventory
• Caregiving Mastery and Caregiving Satisfaction subscales of the Lawton Caregiving Appraisal Composite Scale
• Montgomery and Borgatta Burden Scale
• Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale
• State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
• Dyadic Adjustment Scale (used to measure marital satisfaction)
• Social Functioning Subscale of the Health and Daily Living Form (adapted; used to measure social support)
• Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–20
• Help Seeking Coping Index
• Index of Coping Responses

For caregivers who reported high levels of burden, the intervention led to a significant improvement in their ability to cope with pressing problems. No main effects of the intervention were found on any outcome variable. For caregivers who reported low marital satisfaction, the intervention led to improvement in physical, role, and social functioning.

• The study had a small sample, with only 27% of those eligible agreeing to participate.
• The sample was primarily Caucasian.
• Contamination of the control group was reported.