Nasim Badaghi, Cecilie Buskbjerg, Linda Kwakkenbos, et. al. Positive health outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions for cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 114,2024,102505,ISSN 0272-7358, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102505 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735824001260
I selected this study for several reasons.
Foremost is it asks what are the positive benefits of Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) for cancer patients and survivors. Almost all studies to date have focused on the benefit of ameliorating negative symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment.
Additionally, in the Introduction this study provides a succinct discussion of the historical background of mindfulness and the benefits which research has demonstrated. Section 2.2. Eligibility criteria and 2.6. MBI quality assessment provide a clear discussion of the characrteristics which constitute high quality MBIs which are Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) or adaptations which adhere to established criteria for intervention fidelity. These elements are included in detail in Table 1. Main characteristics of included randomized controlled trials.
This 2024 study is the first comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the impact of Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) on positive health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors. The study selection process is described “Full text screening” for 436 references with 46 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 4364 participants were included.
The study identified eight domains of positive outcomes:
“(a) mindfulness skills: awareness of the present moment, without judgement, on purpose, and with acceptance;
(b) self-compassion: understanding and acceptance of one-self and personal experiences with a kind, mindful, and common humanity standpoint;
(c) positive affect: a state of high energy, full concentration, and pleasurable engagement;
(d) coping: capacity of an individual to manage, adapt, or deal with any situation, emotion or circumstance in a positive way;
(e) social support: aspects of the human experience that involve positive relationships with others;
(f) well-being: overall personal eudemonic and hedonic states
(g) personal growth: process of becoming a more fulfilled individual despite the circumstances; and
(h) spirituality: personal and subjective experience of transcending humanity for something bigger than oneself.”
The analysis study encompassed both immediate post-intervention effects and longer-term follow-up outcomes.
Statistically significant effects were observed for all positive health outcomes at post-treatment. Effect sizes ranged from small (positive affect) to large (spirituality). At follow-up, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, personal growth, and spirituality reached statistical significance, with effect sizes ranging from small (positive affect) to medium (spirituality) and large (post-traumatic growth).
The authors conclude that MBIs have the beneficial effects on positive health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors which are “… comparable and larger to the effects of MBIs found in the same population for negative symptom-related outcomes “ … “such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, fear of cancer recurrence, pain, sleep disturbance, and fatigue.” The authors further state that MBIs may provide “… the opportunity to positively reframe what it means to live with cancer.”
The authors point out that “… conclusive evidence for sustained effects on all outcomes at follow-up was not consistently available, previous investigations in non-clinical adult populations have demonstrated statistically significant effects of MBIs on various positive outcomes, including relationship satisfaction, autonomy, optimism, relaxation, positive emotions, self-compassion, happiness, and compassion towards others.”
The authors further report “… a growing body of evidence suggesting that MBIs can have long-lasting positive effects on cancer patients. It is plausible that the full benefits of mindfulness practices may require time to fully develop and manifest.”
Studies have shown that he most robust impact of MBIs is on mindfulness. “The finding that MBIs promote mindfulness skills is not particularly surprising, given that these skills are directly targeted by the interventions. However, the development of focused attention, acceptance, non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings, and non-reactivity can be considered positive qualities in their own right, contributing to overall well-being.“
In conclusion, in the words of the authors: “MBIs can empower patients by providing them with tools to better manage their mental health, build resilience, and gain a sense of control over their illness and treatment process.”
