A randomized study of the effects of mindfulness training on psychological well-being and symptoms of stress in patients treated for cancer at 6-month follow-up.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the 6-month follow-up effects of mindfulness training on stress, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, positive states of mind, coping self-efficacy, and mindfulness in cancer patients.
Results Summary
The intervention group showed increased mindfulness at 6 months but no differences in other outcomes compared to controls. Continued meditation practice was linked to reduced post-traumatic stress avoidance symptoms.
Population
Patients with a previous cancer diagnosis.
Effective Dosage
8-week mindfulness training course (specific frequency not detailed).
Duration
8 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness stress reduction training program | increase | mindfulness | patients treated for cancer | - | showed a larger increase | #1 |
mindfulness stress reduction training program | no change | perceived stress | patients treated for cancer | - | no differences | #2 |
mindfulness stress reduction training program | no change | depression | patients treated for cancer | - | no differences | #3 |
mindfulness stress reduction training program | no change | anxiety | patients treated for cancer | - | no differences | #4 |
mindfulness stress reduction training program | no change | post-traumatic stress symptoms | patients treated for cancer | - | no differences | #5 |
mindfulness stress reduction training program | no change | positive states of mind | patients treated for cancer | - | no differences | #6 |
mindfulness stress reduction training program | no change | coping self-efficacy | patients treated for cancer | - | no differences | #7 |
Continued meditation practice | decrease | post-traumatic stress symptoms of avoidance | patients treated for cancer | - | associated with a significant reduction | #8 |
BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence showing beneficial effects of mindfulness and mindfulness training on various indicators of mental and physical health. PURPOSE: This paper reports the 6-month follow-up effects of a mindfulness stress reduction training program among patients treated for cancer on perceived stress, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, positive states of mind, coping self-efficacy, and mindfulness. METHODS: Patients with a previous cancer diagnosis were recruited and randomized into an intervention group or a waiting list control group. The intervention consisted of an 8-week mindfulness training course. RESULTS: Compared to participants in the control group, the intervention group showed a larger increase in mindfulness at 6-month follow-up. However, there were no differences on any of the other outcomes between the intervention and control groups. Continued meditation practice was associated with a significant reduction in post-traumatic stress symptoms of avoidance. CONCLUSIONS: The study draws attention to the need to better understand the mechanisms behind the effect of mindfulness training and to potential modification of mindfulness interventions to promote sustained benefits over time.