Mindfulness enhancement through logotherapy in patients with mastectomized breast cancer: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Logotherapy, a meaning-centered psychotherapy, significantly increased mindfulness in patients who had undergone mastectomy for breast cancer. In a randomized controlled trial with 64 participants in Isfahan, Iran, those who attended eight logotherapy sessions over four weeks scored higher on the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (mean 129.76) than the control group (mean 121.17). The difference was statistically significant. The findings suggest that logotherapy can be an effective intervention for improving mindfulness, which is often diminished in breast cancer patients and linked to poorer mental and physical health.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Mindfulness, a psychological capacity, is often diminished in patients with breast cancer. This decline can negatively impact mental and physical health, behavioral regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Consequently, interventions to enhance mindfulness are crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of logotherapy on mindfulness levels in patients with mastectomized breast cancer in Isfahan, Iran. This randomized controlled trial (IRCT20240310061242N1| 24/03/2024) investigated the effects of logotherapy on mindfulness in 64 patients with mastectomized breast cancer at Seyyed-al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 30) or control (n = 34) group. The intervention group received eight logotherapy sessions (twice a week, 45–60 min each) over four weeks. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-39). SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and ANCOVA were used. The level of statistical siginificance was determined at α = 0.05. After the intervention, the control group’s mean (SD) mindfulness score was 121.17 (13.78), and the intervention group’s mean (SD) score was 129.76 (17.05). Data analysis using ANCOVA showed a significant difference in mindfulness between the control and intervention groups after the intervention (p = 0.003). Additionally, a significant relationship was found between occupation and mindfulness only in the intervention group (p = 0.01). Given the significant impact of logotherapy on enhancing mindfulness in patients with breast cancer, it is recommended that logotherapy be used as an effective method to improve patients’ well-being.