Problem-solving therapy is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that has bee
n found to be effective in the treatment of a variety of mental health prob
lems, especially depression, The relevance of this therapy for cancer patie
nts is addressed and is placed within the context of a problem-solving mode
l of stress. This model argues that the likelihood that cancer patients wil
l experience significant and long-lasting emotional difficulties and psycho
logical distress is partially a function of their problem-solving abilities
. Research supports this model not only in general but also for cancer pati
ents in particular, A large-scale outcome study is currently underway to ev
aluate the efficacy of problem-solving therapy with adult cancer patients.