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A Qualitative Exploration into Experiences and Attitudes Regarding Psychosocial Challenges, Self-compassion, and Mindfulness in a Population of Adults with Cystic Fibrosis.

Sophia Kauser, Rebecca Keyte, Michail Mantzios, Helen H. Egan

Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings February 11, 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09859-8 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 20
Population UK-domiciled adults with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
Topics Meditation
Keywords Humans Cystic fibrosis Attitude Empathy Adult Self-compassion Wellbeing Psychosocial challenges
Key findings Four themes captured participants' experiences: living beyond CF life expectancy, psychological complexities including self-blame about their condition, the value of self-compassion, and the benefits of mindfulness practice. The authors argue that accessible psychological practices drawing on mindfulness and self-compassion should be integrated into routine CF care and self-care.

Abstract

To investigate the current psychosocial challenges faced by adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), while exploring attitudes and experiences of mindfulness and self-compassion. Mindfulness and self-compassion are important resources for supporting psychological and physical well-being, yet there is limited research exploring these positive psychology concepts in CF literature. Twenty UK domiciled adults with a diagnosis of CF, took part in a semi-structured interview. Using a thematic analysis approach, four themes were developed: (a) "I didn't expect to be here": Surpassing the CF life expectancy, (b) "Am I psychologically bringing this upon myself?": Psychological complexities of CF, (c) "I've had to really learn to be kind to myself": The importance of compassion and being self-compassionate, (d) "I think it's a great tool": The benefits of practising mindfulness. This research demonstrates a robust need for increased integration of accessible psychological practices into routine CF-care and self-care for adults with CF. Particularly, practises and interventions that draw on the concepts of mindfulness and self-compassion, which may benefit patient's health and wellbeing profoundly.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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