The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Meditation and Yoga on Stress, Body Image, Self-esteem, and Sexual Adjustment in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether mindfulness-based meditation and yoga could reduce stress, improve self-esteem, body image, and sexual adjustment in women undergoing modified radical mastectomy.
Results Summary
The study found significant reductions in perceived stress and the importance of breasts in sexuality, along with improved self-esteem and body perception, but no significant changes in sexual adjustment.
Population
Women undergoing modified radical mastectomy (intervention group = 19, control group = 20).
Effective Dosage
Approximately 90-minute face-to-face mindfulness-based meditation and yoga sessions.
Duration
8 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based meditation and yoga | decrease | perceived stress | women undergoing modified radical mastectomy | - | significant reductions | #1 |
mindfulness-based meditation and yoga | decrease | significance attributed to breasts in sexuality | women undergoing modified radical mastectomy | - | significant reductions | #2 |
mindfulness-based meditation and yoga | increase | self-esteem | women undergoing modified radical mastectomy | - | increases | #3 |
mindfulness-based meditation and yoga | increase | body perception | women undergoing modified radical mastectomy | - | increases | #4 |
mindfulness-based meditation and yoga | no change | sexual adjustment | women undergoing modified radical mastectomy | - | no significant differences | #5 |
BACKGROUND: Surgical interventions are commonly utilized in the treatment of breast cancer; however, they can elicit adverse effects on women's perceptions of femininity, leading to stress, negative body image, diminished self-esteem, and challenges in sexual adjustment. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the efficacy of mindfulness-based meditation and yoga in alleviating stress, enhancing self-esteem, improving body image, and facilitating sexual adjustment among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy. METHODS: Using a prospective (pretest, posttest, and second-month follow-up), 2-arm (1:1), randomized controlled experimental design, the study involved 39 women (intervention group = 19, control group = 20) undergoing modified radical mastectomy. The intervention group participated in face-to-face mindfulness-based meditation and yoga sessions lasting approximately 90 minutes each over an 8-week period. RESULTS: Following the intervention, significant reductions in perceived stress and the significance attributed to breasts in sexuality were observed ( P < .05), accompanied by increases in self-esteem and body perception ( P < .05). However, no significant differences were observed in sexual adjustment ( P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based meditation and yoga interventions demonstrated efficacy in mitigating perceived stress, enhancing self-esteem, and improving body perception among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy. The findings advocate for the integration of mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, particularly during the preoperative phase, to support oncological patients, particularly those with breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Psychosocial aspects such as body image, self-esteem, and sexual adjustment following radical mastectomy are frequently overlooked in clinical care. This research highlights the potential benefits of incorporating mindfulness-based yoga and meditation techniques into nursing interventions to alleviate stress and enhance body confidence among women undergoing mastectomy.