This article chronicles a failed research project. We designed and carried out a psychological intervention aimed at increasing esogastric and lung cancer patients’ emotional competencies after treatments. We present the final protocol of the study, a randomized controlled trial in a public hospital, and describe the difficulties encountered and our subsequent reflections, to provide researchers and clinicians with advice for the implementation of such interventions.
Firstly, the role of psychology, emotions, and emotional competencies, is still underacknowledged in cancer care. Pedagogical efforts must be made to convince both physicians and patients of the importance of those elements. Secondly and consequently, even distressed patients sure to benefit from such an intervention, do not take it up. In particular, male patients often declined the intervention due to gender stereotypes, and as such creativity is needed to present such interventions in a motivating way for patients. Finally, and most importantly, even if there is a good rationale for a psychological intervention and all favorable conditions are present, it is essential to first conduct a feasibility/pilot study. Indeed, even the most thorough preparation is no guarantee of anticipating all issues due to important gaps between theory and practice.