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The effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on sexual self-esteem in women with breast cancer after mastectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Sareh Khosravi-Khorram, Parvaneh Mousavi, Maryam Gholamzadeh Jofreh, Mohammad-Hosein Haghighizadeh

Journal of Cancer Survivorship September 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-026-02069-3 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 45
Population Women aged 30-49 years after mastectomy for breast cancer in Ahvaz, Iran
Intervention Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Duration Eight weekly sessions; measured at baseline and post-intervention
Measures Sexual Self-Esteem Inventory for Women Short Form (SSEI-W-SF)
Topics Meditation
Keywords Breast cancer Mastectomy Randomized controlled trial Sexual self-esteem
Key findings Women who received eight weekly MBCT sessions reported significantly higher total sexual self-esteem (mean 145.95) than controls receiving usual care (mean 124.34), with improvements on attractiveness, experience/skills, control, and adaptation subscales. Moral judgment improved within the MBCT group but showed no significant between-group difference. The authors conclude MBCT is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for sexual self-esteem after mastectomy.

Abstract

Mastectomy often leads to decreased sexual self-esteem in women with breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on sexual self-esteem in women after mastectomy. This randomized controlled trial (February-May 2024, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran) enrolled 45 women aged 30-49 years after mastectomy. They were randomly assigned to an MBCT group (n = 22, eight weekly sessions) or a control group (n = 23, usual care). Sexual self-esteem was measured using the SSEI‑W‑SF at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using t‑tests and ANCOVA. No baseline differences were found between groups. Post-intervention, after controlling for confounders, the MBCT group showed significantly higher scores in total sexual self-esteem and subscales (attractiveness, experience/skills, control, adaptation) compared to controls (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.786). Moral judgment improved within the MBCT group (p < 0.001), but no significant between-group difference was observed (p = 0.106). The mean sexual self-esteem score was significantly higher in the MBCT group (145.95 ± 8.15) than controls (124.34 ± 10.09; p < 0.001). ANCOVA confirmed the intervention effect. MBCT significantly improves sexual self-esteem and its components in women post-mastectomy. Integrating MBCT into survivorship care may address an overlooked aspect of breast cancer recovery. MBCT is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving sexual self-esteem in women after mastectomy, enhancing their quality of life. IRCT20231128060209N1 (registered February 5, 2024).

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

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