Mindfulness and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Mothers of Children With Pediatric Cancer

Background: Mothers are often identified as the primary caregiver, thus at unique risk for psychological sequelae of their child’s cancer, including elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Studies have shown greater mindfulness is often associated with lower PTSS across populations.

Methods: The current study examined associations between mothers’ mindfulness and its specific domains and PTSS. The current study used a cross-sectional design with purposeful sampling by inviting participants to complete a web-based survey across selected pediatric cancer social media pages. The survey included demographic questions, medical factors, the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), and PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) measures. A multiple linear regression analysis was run to determine the relationship between mindfulness and PTSS. Univariate linear regression analyses were run to examine associations between domains of mindfulness and PTSS.

Results: N = 53 mothers of pediatric cancer patients completed the survey. Among this study sample, it was determined that higher levels of mindfulness were associated with lower PTSS ( B = −0.88, SE = 0.22, t = −4.00, p < 0.001). Higher levels of mindfulness across the individual domains of acting awareness ( p < 0.001) and non-judgment (p < 0.001) were associated with lower levels of PTSS.

Conclusions: Mothers of pediatric cancer patients who are less mindful appear to be at risk for PTSS. Findings suggest the need to develop and assess mindfulness interventions, particularly targeting acting awareness and non-judgment, addressing PTSS among mothers of pediatric cancer patients. Implications for Impact Statement Our findings suggest that mothers of pediatric cancer patients are at a heightened risk for lower mindfulness and higher posttraumatic stress symptoms. These findings have important implications in clinical practice and future research targeting caregiver well-being among mothers of pediatric cancer patients and highlight potential opportunities for intervention to reduce caregiver distress.