An investigation of the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Mahboobeh Soleymani Moghadam, Aliakbar Parvizifard, Aliakbar Foroughi, Seyed Mojtaba Ahmadi, N. Farshchian
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology March 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05655-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Iranian women with breast cancer receiving care in the oncology division of Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy |
| Duration | Eight weekly 60-minute sessions; 2-month follow-up |
| Measures | Demoralization Scale (DS-II), Body Image Scale (BIS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy reduced demoralization and body image distress and improved sexual function in women with breast cancer, with significant changes from pre-test to post-test. The control group showed no significant change. The authors propose MICBT as an adjunct to medical treatment for psychological symptoms. |
Abstract
Breast cancer is an extremely unpleasant and unbearable experience that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Compared to other types of cancer, breast cancer has a more severe psychological impact on women. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer. A sample of 30 women with breast cancer were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The research was conducted in the oncology division of Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah by the clinical trial method with a two-group pretest–posttest design and a 2 month follow-up. Participants in the intervention group received Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy for eight sessions. The intervention was carried out individually in weekly 60 min sessions. While the control group received self-help treatment (through an educational book). A demographic questionnaire, Demoralization Scale (DS-II), Body Image Scale (BIS), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to collect data. For data analysis, means and standard deviations were calculated and repeated measures and the Bonferroni test was conducted using SPSS 26. The results showed the effectiveness of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function (p < 0.05). Concerning demoralization in the intervention group, the pre-test mean was 16.73 ± 3.33, and it reduced to 11.93 ± 1.49 in the post-test. The body image mean score showed a decreasing trend in the intervention group, from 12.47 ± 1.88 in the pre-test to 8.80 ± 3.21 in the post-test. The mean score for sexual function showed an increasing trend, increasing from 18.06 ± 2.29 in the pre-test to 23.07 ± 0.91 in the post-test. There was no significant difference in the mean score of the post-test compared to the pre-test and follow-up in the control group (p < 0.05). MICBT can be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals and medical treatments to improve the psychological symptoms of women with breast cancer, according to this study’s results. Trial registration (IRCT20160103025817N6). 2022-04-06.
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 3
- Global landscape and hotspot analysis of meditation research in cancer: a bibliometric study. Journal of Cancer Survivorship April 5, 2025
- Investigation the therapeutic effect of mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral counseling in pregnant women with body image dissatisfaction: A randomized controlled trial. European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology: X June 1, 2025
- The effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on sexual self-esteem in women with breast cancer after mastectomy: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Cancer Survivorship September 11, 2026
Cites 12
- Short-term effect of internet-delivered mindfulness-based stress reduction on mental health, self-efficacy, and body image among women with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic Frontiers in Psychology October 25, 2022
- Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on rumination in patients with breast cancer. BMC Women's Health December 28, 2022
- Mindfulness is associated with improved psychological well-being but no change in stress biomarkers in breast cancer survivors with depression: a single group clinical pilot study. BMC Women's Health December 12, 2022
- Managing type 2 diabetes and depression with Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) Discover Psychology December 1, 2022
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Breast Cancer Survivors with Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Pain Research and Management July 7, 2022
and 7 more in the library