Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for young adults with cancer
Amanda Roth, Rinat Nissim, Mary Ellen Elliott
University of Western Ontario Medical Journal April 24, 2018 DOI: 10.5206/uwomj.v87i1.1892 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 14 |
| Population | Young adults with cancer |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Participants reported positive transformations, including in how they cope, after MBCT. The authors conclude that despite limited generalizability from the small sample, the study provides further evidence that MBCT can be successful in treating psychological symptoms in young adults with cancer. |
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer diagnosis and treatment frequently involves physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. The young adult population with cancer face unique struggles including poignancy in relation to self-concept, identity formation, independence, role development, loss of independence, and time away from school and peers. Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being evaluated for individuals with a cancer diagnosis. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy. This paper aims to briefly describe MBCT and its benefits and challenges in the young adult population with cancer.
Method: An analysis of themes was conducted of post-intervention semi-structured interviews that were conducted with a subsample of 14 participants to gain more detailed information regarding their perception.
Findings: Participants reported positive transformations including in how they cope.
Conclusions: Although a small sample size limits its generalizability, this study provides further evidence that MBCT can be successful in treating psychological symptoms in young adults with cancer.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.