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Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Couple Interventions on Psychological Distress in Patients With Cancer and Their Partners: A Critical Review.

Meng Wei, Maziah Ahmad Marzuki, Xiaoguang Zhang, Qi Hu

Journal of Clinical Nursing May 23, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17822 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Systematic review Peer reviewed
Sample size 6
Population Patients with cancer and their partners
Intervention Mindfulness-based interventions
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Keywords Mindfulness interventions mindfulness Programs Couple support couple Partners Joint approach Both individuals Cancer patients cancer Cancer couple Emotional well-being anxiety Emotional burdens Psychological distress Systematic review review Comprehensive review Existing evidence
Citations 1
Key findings Mindfulness-based interventions generally improved psychological distress among patients with cancer and their partners, and treating them as a couple unit may enhance benefits for both.

Abstract

To summarise and critically appraise the evidence of mindfulness-based interventions for psychological distress in patients with cancer and their partners. A critical review. The critical appraisal checklists of the Centre for Evidence-Based Management were utilised for the quality appraisal while reporting the results using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. Six electronic databases were searched, including MEDLINE, CINHAL, Embase, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, from inception to August 2023. A total of six studies were included. Mindfulness-based interventions in general improved psychological distress among patients with cancer and their partners. However, the components of the interventions varied. Treating patients with cancer and their partners as a unit may improve psychological distress for both parties. It is recommended that cancer couples be involved in mindfulness-based interventions simultaneously to achieve positive effects. Future research into the effectiveness and best practices of mindfulness-based interventions remains necessary. The findings provide information and evidence for improving psychological distress among patients with cancer and their partners to guide the development of a mindfulness-based intervention. Mindfulness-based interventions were effective in improving psychological distress in patients with cancer and their partners. The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions varied based on intervention formats. Engaging cancer couples in mindfulness-based intervention together may have a positive impact on both partners. Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement 2020. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Comparable studies

Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations 2014 Meta-analysis n = 3,515
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects 2009 Systematic review and meta-analysis
The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators 2012 Meta-analysis n = 163
Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission 2016 Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials n = 1,258
Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials 2011 Systematic review

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Anxiety Depression Meditation