PERMA-based psychological intervention in glioma rehabilitation: An RCT examining affective distress, treatment adherence, and neuro-oncological outcomes

Objective Postoperative glioma patients often experience negative emotions, which affect their treatment adherence and prognosis. The PERMA intervention (focusing on Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationship, Meaning, and Accomplishment) seeks to enhance psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL). This study examines the effects of the PERMA intervention on negative emotions, treatment adherence, and prognosis in postoperative glioma patients. Methods A total of 124 postoperative glioma patients recruited from January 2022 to February 2024 were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 62) or a control group (n = 62). The control group received routine postoperative care, while the intervention group received an additional PERMA psychological intervention for 1 month. Outcome assessments included anxiety symptoms (SAS), depressive symptoms (SDS), treatment adherence, complications, and QoL. Outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves. Results Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups ( P > 0.05). After the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in SAS and SDS scores ( P < 0.05); furthermore, post-intervention SAS and SDS scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.0001). Treatment adherence was significantly higher and complication rates significantly lower in the intervention group compared to control group ( P < 0.05). QoL was improved in both groups ( P < 0.05); however, the intervention group scored significantly higher than the control group across all QoL domains ( P < 0.0001). KM analysis revealed a significant association between the PERMA-based intervention and better outcomes overall ( P < 0.05). Conclusion A PERMA-based psychological intervention effectively reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced treatment adherence, lowered complication risks, and improved QoL compared to routine post-operative care in postoperative glioma patients.