Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psycho-oncology patients: an exploratory study.
T Kingston, S Collier, D Hevey, M M McCormick, C Besani, J Cooney, A M O'Dwyer
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine September 2015 DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2014.81 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | Cancer patients with mild/moderate psychological distress referred to a psycho-oncology service |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention with 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Cancer Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Key findings | In phase 1, MBCT produced significant improvement in mindfulness and decreased anxiety compared with treatment as usual. At 3-month follow-up, statistically significant improvements in both depression and anxiety were found. Self-compassion appeared to mediate the effect on anxiety and depression, suggesting MBCT may benefit psychological variables in cancer patients. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a group-based intervention similar to mindfulness-based stress reduction, but which includes cognitive therapy techniques. This study investigates its usefulness in the treatment of depressive, anxiety and stress/distress symptoms in cancer patients referred to a psycho-oncology service. It also examines whether effect on depression is mediated by self-compassion. In phase 1 of this study, 16 cancer patients with mild/moderate psychological distress were randomised to MBCT (n=8) or treatment as usual (TAU; n=8), and assessed pre- and post-treatment. Analysis of variance was performed to examine the effect of treatment on anxiety and depression. In phase 2, the TAU group received the intervention, and results of pre- and post-MBCT assessments were combined with those receiving MBCT in phase 1. Finally, both groups were followed up at 3 months. In phase 1, the MBCT group had a significant improvement in mindfulness and a decrease in anxiety. Statistically significant improvements in both depression and anxiety were found at 3 month follow-up. Self-compassion appeared to mediate the effect on anxiety/depression. This small pilot study suggests that MBCT may have a beneficial effect on psychological variables often adversely affected in cancer in a heterogeneous cancer population.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Mindfulness‐based interventions for psychological and physical health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Psycho-Oncology September 11, 2019
- Mindfulness Based Therapy in Cancer Patients: Meta-Analysis Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Care August 27, 2021
- The effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in the psychological and physical health of cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research August 1, 2026
- Mindfulness on Symptom Control and Quality of Life in Patients in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review. The American journal of hospice & palliative care July 19, 2023
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings June 2022
and 3 more in the library
Cites 29
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse Psychotherapy Research March 1, 2003
- A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Clinical Trial: The Effect of a Mindfulness Meditation-Based Stress Reduction Program on Mood and Symptoms of Stress in Cancer Outpatients Psychosomatic Medicine September 1, 2000
and 24 more in the library