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. 2025 Jun 12;18(2):52-59.
doi: 10.3822/ijtmb.v18i2.951. eCollection 2025 Jun.

A Resilience Framework for Research in Oncology Massage Therapy

Jill S Cole  1   2 , Esther E Dupont-Versteegden  2   3   4 , Christen G Page  5
Affiliations

A Resilience Framework for Research in Oncology Massage Therapy

Jill S Cole et al. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. .

Abstract

Pain and anxiety affect nearly half of patients with cancer, and high symptom burden causes stress during treatment. Both massage therapy and interventions focused on resilience building have been reported to ease symptoms. Resilience theory explains how a patient's resilience can help them navigate stressful events and return to health. Resilience at the family and health system level also affects a patient's ability to cope, recover, and rehabilitate after illness. Massage therapy is reported to reduce pain and anxiety, but its effect on resilience has not been studied. The purpose of this paper is to propose resilience theory as a framework for the role of massage therapy, symptom burden, and resilience, and how these might interact in patients with cancer.

Keywords: Resilience theory; anxiety; cancer; massage therapy; pain.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST NOTIFICATION: The authors, Jill Cole, Esther Dupont-Versteegden, and Christen Page certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements) or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Seligman’s three Ps model of resilience—personalization, pervasiveness, and permanence (Adapted from Seligman(32)).
Figure 2
Figure 2
A model representing the effects of massage therapy on the resilience of patients with cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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