Small gestures, big impact? study tests kindness and gratitude for cancer patients
NCT ID NCT04810052
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether doing simple positive activities—like performing a kind act or writing a gratitude letter—could improve quality of life for cancer patients from collectivist cultures (e.g., Latino, Asian American, African American). 75 patients and their caregivers participated. The goal was to see if these activities are feasible and might boost emotional well-being.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Behavioral intervention (positive activities: acts of kindness and gratitude letters)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to improve emotional well-being and quality of life for cancer patients from collectivist backgrounds.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small feasibility study with only 75 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The activities are simple and may not produce meaningful changes in well-being.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
-
M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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