Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR(BC)) in breast cancer: evaluating fear of recurrence (FOR) as a mediator of psychological and physical symptoms in a randomized control trial (RCT).
Cecile A Lengacher, Melissa M Shelton, Richard R Reich, Michelle Barta, Versie Johnson-Mallard, Manolete S Moscoso, Carly L Paterson, Sophia Ramesar, Pinky Budhrani, Irina Carranza, Jean M Lucas, Paul B Jacobsen, Matthew J Goodman, Kevin E Kip
Journal of Behavioral Medicine November 27, 2012 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-012-9473-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 82 |
| Population | Post-treatment breast cancer survivors (stages 0–III) |
| Duration | 6-week program; assessments at baseline and 6 weeks |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Breast neoplasms Recurrence Treatment outcome Stress, psychological Fear Middle aged Female |
| Key findings | MBSR(BC) reduced fear of recurrence and improved physical functioning, and these changes mediated reductions in perceived stress and anxiety at 6 weeks. Specifically, fear of recurrence mediated effects on perceived stress and state anxiety, while physical functioning mediated effects on perceived stress and trait anxiety, suggesting a possible cognitive mechanism of action. |
Abstract
To investigate the mechanism(s) of action of mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR(BC)) including reductions in fear of recurrence and other potential mediators. Eighty-two post-treatment breast cancer survivors (stages 0-III) were randomly assigned to a 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 40) or to usual care group (UC) (n = 42). Psychological and physical variables were assessed as potential mediators at baseline and at 6 weeks. MBSR(BC) compared to UC experienced favorable changes for five potential mediators: (1) change in fear of recurrence problems mediated the effect of MBSR(BC) on 6-week change in perceived stress (z = 2.12, p = 0.03) and state anxiety (z = 2.03, p = 0.04); and (2) change in physical functioning mediated the effect of MBSR(BC) on 6-week change in perceived stress (z = 2.27, p = 0.02) and trait anxiety (z = 1.98, p = 0.05). MBSR(BC) reduces fear of recurrence and improves physical functioning which reduces perceived stress and anxiety. Findings support the beneficial effects of MBSR(BC) and provide insight into the possible cognitive mechanism of action.
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 31
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on breast cancer symptoms: systematic review and meta-analysis Einstein 2018
- The use of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for breast cancer patients-meta-analysis. BMC Psychology November 1, 2024
- Mindfulness Based Therapy in Cancer Patients: Meta-Analysis Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Care August 27, 2021
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Enhances Quality of Life and Positive Psychological Traits Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial Mindfulness 2026
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine October 1, 2026
and 26 more in the library
Cites 17
- 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
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- What Do We Really Know About Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction? Psychosomatic Medicine 2002
and 12 more in the library