Background: Korean cancer patients often experience psychological distress influenced by relational and cultural expectations, including emotional inhibition and family-centered self-worth. To address this, we developed COMWithU, a compassion-based intervention that integrates universal therapeutic principles with culturally responsive elements.
Objectives/Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of COMWithU in improving psychological and existential outcomes among Korean cancer patients.
Sample and Setting: Thirty-four adult cancer patients were recruited from a psycho-oncology clinic in Seoul, South Korea. Participants included both advanced-stage (n = 16) and non-advanced-stage (n = 18) patients.
Procedures: COMWithU consisted of five weekly 60-minute individual sessions delivered by trained clinicians. The intervention focused on fostering self-compassion and emotional awareness through structured activities such as guided reflection, emotional processing, and values-based dialogue. Outcomes were assessed at pre-intervention (T1), post-intervention (T2), and 1-month follow-up (T3) using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Demoralization Scale (DEM). Paired t-tests were used to analyze changes over time, and subgroup comparisons were conducted by cancer stage. Qualitative feedback was also collected post-intervention.
Results: All participants completed T1 and T2 assessments; 30 completed T3. Statistically significant improvements were founded in all outcomes from T1 to T2, and effects were maintained at T3. Depression showed the largest effect (t = 5.200, p < .001; Cohen’s d = 0.93). No significant differences were found between cancer stage groups. Participants reported enhanced emotional regulation and personal meaning. Compassion-focused practices and expressive writing were reported as particularly helpful.
Conclusion and Clinical Implications: COMWithU is a feasible and promising intervention for Korean cancer patients. Its integration of compassion-based methods with cultural sensitivity supports its relevance for broader psycho-oncological applications. Further randomized trials are warranted.