A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Clinical Trial: The Effect of a Mindfulness Meditation-Based Stress Reduction Program on Mood and Symptoms of Stress in Cancer Outpatients
Psychosomatic Medicine September 1, 2000 Michael Speca, Linda E. Carlson, Eileen Goodey et al. 1,091 citations
A mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program reduced mood disturbance and stress symptoms in cancer outpatients. In a randomized trial, 90 patients with various cancer types and stages completed a 7-week program of weekly 1.5-hour meditation groups plus home practice. Compared to a wait-list control group, those in the program showed significantly lower total mood disturbance, including less depression, anxiety, anger, and confusion, and more vigor. They also reported fewer overall stress symptoms, particularly cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms, emotional irritability, and cognitive disorganization. Total mood disturbance decreased by 65%, and stress symptoms by 31%.