Positive health outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions for cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on positive health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors.
Results Summary
MBIs showed statistically significant effects on all positive health outcomes post-treatment, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. At follow-up, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, personal growth, and spirituality remained significant, with varying effect sizes.
Population
Cancer patients and survivors
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | decrease | symptoms | cancer patients and survivors | - | reduced | #1 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | all positive health outcomes | cancer patients or survivors | - | statistical significant effects were observed | #2 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | positive affect | cancer patients or survivors | Hedges's g = 0.26 | statistical significant effects were observed | #3 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | spirituality | cancer patients or survivors | g = 0.91 | statistical significant effects were observed | #4 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | mindfulness skills | cancer patients or survivors | - | reached statistical significance | #5 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | self-compassion | cancer patients or survivors | - | reached statistical significance | #6 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | personal growth | cancer patients or survivors | - | reached statistical significance | #7 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | spirituality | cancer patients or survivors | g = 0.61 | reached statistical significance | #8 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | positive affect | cancer patients or survivors | g = 0.07 | reached statistical significance | #9 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | post-traumatic growth | cancer patients or survivors | g = 1.40 | reached statistical significance | #10 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | several positive outcomes | cancer patients and survivors | - | significant effects were found | #11 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | mindfulness skills | cancer patients and survivors | - | strongest evidence found | #12 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | well-being | this population | - | may play a key role in improving | #13 |
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are commonly used for cancer patients and survivors to reduce symptoms, but little is known about effects on positive health outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effects of MBIs on positive health outcomes (mindfulness skills, self-compassion, positive affect, coping, social support, well-being, personal growth, and spirituality) in cancer patients and survivors. Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAH) were searched (grey literature was not included), abstracts and full texts were screened, and MBI quality and risk of bias were assessed. Effect sizes were calculated and data was analyzed using a frequentist analytical strategy. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of MBIs compared to any type of control on positive health outcomes in cancer patients or survivors. Based on 46 RCTs eligible for meta-analysis, statistical significant effects were observed for all positive health outcomes at post-treatment. Effect sizes ranged from small (positive affect; Hedges's g = 0.26) to large (spirituality, g = 0.91). At follow-up, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, personal growth, and spirituality reached statistical significance, with effect sizes ranging from small (positive affect; g = 0.07) to medium (spirituality; g = 0.61) and large (post-traumatic growth; g = 1.40). Taken together, significant effects of MBIs were found for several positive outcomes in cancer patients and survivors, with the strongest evidence found for mindfulness skills. MBIs may play a key role in improving well-being in this population.