Mindfulness enhancement through logotherapy in patients with mastectomized breast cancer: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Mahgol Nasr-Esfahani, Fatemeh Ghaedi-Heidari
Scientific Reports July 5, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-42741-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 64 |
| Population | Patients with mastectomized breast cancer at Seyyed-al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan, Iran |
| Intervention | Logotherapy |
| Duration | Four weeks (eight sessions, twice a week, 45-60 minutes each) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Breast cancer Logotherapy Patients |
| Key findings | Logotherapy significantly enhanced mindfulness levels in patients with mastectomized breast cancer compared to the control group. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |