Applying the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) on Emotional Regulation, Cognitive Flexibility, Mindful Emotional Awareness and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) for women with breast cancer. Methods: It was a pilot randomized controlled trial in which women with breast cancer were allocated to a 9-week Unified Protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders (UP) (n=14) or a wait-list control group (n=15). Pre-and post-intervention, the Beck Depression Scale (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies Scale (CERQ), Emotional Awareness Level Scale (LEAS), and The EORTC Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-BR23) were completed. Results: Significant reductions in depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms, as well as maladaptive emotional regulation strategies, were observed within the UP from baseline to post-treatment. Compared to the waitlist-control condition, participants in the UP condition showed increased adaptive strategies of emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, mindful emotional awareness, and quality of life. Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary evidence for the utility of the UP in the reduction of psychological dysfunctions and improving the quality of life in women with breast cancer.