Effects of Virtual Reality‐Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sick Role Adaptation for Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral therapy on sick role adaptation, psychological distress, illness perception and coping modes among young and middle-age colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: This was a single-blind, parallel-arm randomised controlled trial. A total of 84 adults aged < 60 years with colorectal cancer were randomised to either an intervention group (n = 42) receiving a 7-session self-led virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral therapy or an attention control group (n = 42) receiving regular health consultations. The sick role adaptation, illness perception, anxiety and depression, and coping modes were measured at baseline, 1-month, 2-month and 3-month post-intervention. RESULTS: Compared to the controls, the intervention group had significantly higher level of sick role adaptation, more positive illness perception, less anxiety and depression, more adaptative coping modes adopted. CONCLUSIONS: The virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral therapy enhanced adaptation to cancer in young and middle-age patients with colorectal cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on 21 June, 2023 in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No.: ChiCTR2300072699) at https://www.chictr.org.cn/.