The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Meditation and Yoga on Stress, Body Image, Self-esteem, and Sexual Adjustment in
1Author Affiliations: Gediz Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya (Dr Pehlivan); and School of Nursing, Department of Surgical Diseases Nursing, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir (Dr Eyi), Turkey.
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.
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