Mindfulness-based stress reduction and cancer: a meta-analysis
Dianne Ledesma1, Hiroaki Kumano
1Department of Stress Science and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Psycho-Oncology
|November 22, 2008
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) shows promise for improving cancer patients' mental health, with a moderate effect size. Further research is needed to confirm its impact on physical health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Cancer diagnosis significantly impacts patients' mental and physical well-being.
- Stress and psychological distress are common challenges for cancer survivors.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a potential intervention for managing cancer-related distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MBSR on the mental and physical health of cancer patients.
- To synthesize findings from existing research through meta-analysis.
- To identify areas requiring further investigation regarding MBSR in oncology.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was performed on ten eligible studies, including randomized-controlled trials and observational studies.
- Study results were categorized into mental and physical health variables.
- Cohen's effect size (d) was calculated for each variable to quantify the impact of MBSR.
Main Results:
- MBSR demonstrated a positive effect on the mental health of cancer patients, with a Cohen's effect size of 0.48.
- The evidence for MBSR's impact on physical health was less convincing, showing a smaller effect size of 0.18.
- Results indicate a potential benefit for psychosocial adjustment in cancer patients undergoing MBSR.
Conclusions:
- MBSR may be a valuable tool for enhancing the mental well-being and psychosocial adjustment of individuals with cancer.
- Additional high-quality research is necessary to establish definitive conclusions regarding MBSR's effects on the physical health of cancer patients.
- The findings support the integration of MBSR into supportive care for cancer patients.
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