Mindfulness Meditation as Psychosocial Support in the Breast Cancer Experience: A Case Report.
Letizia Iannopollo, Grazia Cristaldi, Caterina Borgese, Samuela Sommacal, Giulia Silvestri, Samantha Serpentini
Behavioral Sciences June 29, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/bs12070216 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A patient with breast cancer |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based intervention |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Quality of life Adaptation Breast cancer Coping strategies Group therapy Self-esteem Well-being |
| Key findings | The authors describe a Mindfulness-based psychoncological support program for a woman with breast cancer, combining individual and group therapy with particular emphasis on group Mindfulness practice. They propose that the intervention increases self-esteem and coping strategies needed for successful adaptation to cancer and helps maintain quality of life and psychological well-being during and after treatment. |
Abstract
In the last decade, Mindfulness-based interventions have been increasingly used in health care settings, particularly in the context of cancer. Research documents the efficacy of these interventions for decreasing the burdens of stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, and other symptoms. This article describes the case report of a patient with breast cancer, highlighting her personality, defense mechanisms, and traumatization connected with the disease. General information about the patient's personal and medical history is presented in addition to the trajectory of psychoncological support, focusing on objectives, intervention strategies based on Mindfulness, and outcomes. The intervention is a combination of individual and group therapies, with particular reference to the use of Mindfulness in a group setting. The goal is to provide the patient with both a peer sharing experience as well as the tools to manage psychoemotional reactions through the development of awareness and a better relationship with herself. The main hypothesized consequences are an increase in self-esteem and coping strategies, which are necessary for a successful adaptation to cancer. The objective of the Mindfulness intervention is to promote the maintenance of an adequate Quality of Life (QoL) and psychological well-being, during and after treatment, transferring these skills into daily life.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self Advanced meditator | 2001 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study Adult alcohol-dependent graduates of an intensive outpatient program | 2008 | Prospective case series | n = 19 |
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| Loving‐kindness meditation to enhance recovery from negative symptoms of schizophrenia Individuals suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with persistent negative... | 2009 | Case study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling A female problem gambler | 2011 | Case study | n = 1 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- An examination of the effectiveness of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on depression, anxiety, stress and sleep quality in Iranian women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial Scientific Reports April 1, 2025
- Impact Study of Traditional Meditation Practices Using PSD Assessment of EEG Signals 2024 3rd Edition of IEEE Delhi Section Flagship Conference November 21, 2024
Cites 15
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
and 10 more in the library