Objective Determine the feasibility and the preliminary effects of brief cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention, compared with psychoeducation (PE) group in posttraumatic stress, distress, optimism, and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods Ninety‐four patients were randomized: 40 in CBSM intervention and 54 in PE. They answered psychological questionnaires before and after the intervention and 3 months later for follow‐up. Results Of the included participants, 23.40% (22) completed the sessions (11 in each group). A significant effect was obtained in the variable of optimism F2,28 = 4.0, P = 0.03, ƞ2p = 0.22 and a significant interaction effect between the groups in the avoidance behavior F2,28 = 6.0, P = 0.01, ƞ2p = 0.30 and hyperactivation F2,30 = 3.91, P = 0.03, ƞ2p = 0.20, with a large effect size in both. A significant interaction effect was found in the quality of life symptoms subscale for patients with colorectal cancer with a stoma F3,20 = 21.8, P = 0.00, ƞ2p = 0.68. Conclusions The CBSM intervention and PE are feasible therapies, albeit with some modifications. Preliminary effects are observed in the dimensions of posttraumatic stress and symptoms of quality of life.

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