Zhang, J., Zhou, Y., Feng, Z., Fan, Y., Zeng, G., & Wei, L. (2017). Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on posttraumatic growth of Chinese breast cancer survivors. Psychology, Health and Medicine, 22, 94–109.

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To evaluate acceptability and effects of MBSR on perceived stress and anxiety

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Women with breast cancer were randomly assigned to MBSR or usual care groups. The usual care group could receive the MBSR intervention after the study was completed. MBSR was provided in two-hour weekly sessions for eight weeks. Study measures were obtained at baseline, after eight weeks, and three months later. The sessions were provided in groups of 4 to 6 patients. The MBSR intervention did not include a retreat.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 58   
  • AGE: Mean = 46.1 years (range = 30-62)
  • FEMALES: 100%
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: All had breast cancer, most were stage II
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Most had high school education and were of middle income range

Setting

  • SITE: Single site   
  • SETTING TYPE: Outpatient    
  • LOCATION: China

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Transition phase after active treatment

Study Design

Single blind RCT

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Posttraumatic Growth Inventory
  • State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
  • Perceived Stress Scale

Results

Those in the MBSR group showed lower perceived stress scores at eight weeks and three months (p = 0.00); scores also declined in everyone over time (p = 0.00). STAI cores declined more in the MBSR group (p = 0.00), with an effect size of 0.21. State anxiety also declined in everyone over time, with an effect size of 0.39 (p = 0.00).

Conclusions

MBSR had a positive effect to reduce anxiety in this study.

Limitations

  • Small sample (< 100)
  • Risk of bias (no appropriate attentional control condition)
  • Other limitations/explanation: Usual care was not described. No other interventions, such as medications for anxiety were discussed. Adherence to sessions was not reported.

Nursing Implications

This study showed that a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention was associated with reducing anxiety levels in women with breast cancer. This is a low-risk intervention that can be helpful for individuals with cancer who have anxiety.