Heinen, J. M., Laing, E. M., Schäffeler, N.,…Graf, J. (2024). How do mindfulness-based
interventions promote coping and self efficacy in patients with cancer: A systematic
review of qualitative and quantitative data. Psycho-Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.6350
Here is an ambitious systematic review of both quantitative and qualitative studies addressing how Mindfulness Interventions support coping and self-efficacy in cancer patients. I think it’s important to note that the most robust effects of Mindfulness Interventions in populations of people with medical challenges are in the areas of Quality of Life and Self-Efficacy.
The researchers winnowed 1023 studies down to a final selection of 28 studies: 19 quantitative studies, six qualitative studies, and three mixed-methods studies (total N = 1722).
It’s beyond the scope of this blog to report on the methods and analysis beyond the conclusions which identify that “The most important aspect seems to be regular, joined practice which is associated with reflection, feeling in control and mutual connection, and, ultimately, less stress in patients with cancer.” The authors further assert that MBIs can “… complement medical healthcare by providing patients with cancer with effective coping tools.”
The authors advocate for conducting mixed methods reviews because “.. quantitative and qualitative
data can complement each other when it comes to understanding the effect of novel psychological interventions.”
The authors further assert that “MBIs can play a promising role in psychological care for patients with cancer” and “… complement medical healthcare by providing patients with cancer with effective coping tools.”
I recommend reading this study particularly for its detailed descriptions of the variations on the definitive eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) / Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) models and for the extensive qualitative analysis which brings the actual subject into the formal discussion of research. I’ll conclude this post with four quotes:
“I now feel that I have a way of understanding and dealing with stress which is available to
me every moment of my life.”
“…It’s changed my outlook on life, my relationship to other people and, most importantly,
my relationship to myself. That’s the one person I have to deal with every day.”
“You come for not only learning how to connect more with yourself, but you’re also
connecting with other people who understand the pain. Not necessarily just the
physical but the mental pain of what cancer is. It’s about life, right in that circle, right in
that room.”
“The courage connects us. Here I showed my soul, I felt in a safe place, here I could open
myself: there’s no other place to do that.”
