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Positive health outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions for cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Clinical psychology review
December 1, 2024
Nasim Badaghi et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleSystematic ReviewMeta-AnalysisReviewHuman Study
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (13)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMindfulnessNeoplasmsCancer SurvivorsAdaptation, PsychologicalSpirituality
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality90/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations2
Citations/Year2.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score2.91
Normalized Score0.72
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