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

Background: The goal of this research was to determine the effects of intensiveshort-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) on emotional facilitation of emotionalexpressiveness and defense mechanisms of women with breast cancer. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. The statistical population of thestudy included women with breast cancer who had completed the course ofchemotherapy and were referred to Raj psychodynamic center to receivepsychological services. Six eligible patients were selected to enter thepsychodynamic therapy program based on the Davanloo treatment approach. Theparticipants were selected through purposive sampling and volunteered to be part ofthe study. Measurement instruments included the Emotional ExpressivenessQuestionnaire (EEQ) and Defense Style Questionnaire-۴۰. Pre-post data wereanalyzed using a t test, Bonferroni correction, and one-variable covariance analysis. Results: ISTDP led to facilitation of emotional expressiveness (expression oflatent feelings), reinforcement of mature mechanism, and adjustment ofneurological and immature mechanisms in patients with breast cancer. Conclusion: This psychological approach can be used as a nonpharmacologicaltreatment to improve mental health and quality of life of womenwith breast cancer.

Keywords:

ntensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy , emotional expressiveness , defense mechanisms , breast cancer