The Effectiveness of Group Reality Therapy on Spiritual Health, Perceived Social Support and Mental Toughness in Colon Cancer Patients

Farzin Bagheri  Sheykhangafshe; Nahid  Rezaei; Mina Azarian  Ghurtlar; Maryam  Panahi; Ali Fathi  Ashtiani

doi:10.18502/tbj.v24i5.21979

Farzin Bagheri Sheykhangafshe Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Nahid Rezaei M.A in General Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, Shiraz, Iran
Mina Azarian Ghurtlar M.A in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran
Maryam Panahi Master of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran
Ali Fathi Ashtiani Professor, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tbj.v24i5.21979

Keywords: Group Reality Therapy, Spiritual Health, Social Support, Mental Toughness, Colon Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects not only physical health but also the psychological and social well-being of patients. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of group reality therapy on spiritual health, perceived social support, and mental toughness in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: This study employed a quasi‑experimental design with a pretest–posttest and a control group. The statistical population consisted of patients who referred to cancer treatment and support centers in Tehran in 2024. A total of 36 patients who had received a confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer from a specialist were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=18) and the control group (n=18). Data collection instruments included the Spiritual Health Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Mental Toughness Scale. The experimental group received 10 sessions of 60minute group reality therapy. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance.

Results: Findings indicated that group reality therapy significantly improved religious health (F= 42/73), existential health (F=61/44), family support (F=45/98), friends’ support (F=53/77), support from other important people(F= 43/88), and mental toughness (F=48/01) in patients with colorectal cancer (p< 0/001).

Conclusion: Group reality therapy may be effective in enhancing psychological capacities, strengthening social support resources, and increasing resilience in patients facing life-threatening illnesses. This approach, by emphasizing personal responsibility and improving interpersonal relationships, may help patients better adapt to the disease and the treatment process.