| The study used a mixed-method, quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test control group design with qualitative approaches to examine effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on physiological and psychological well-being among breast cancer survivors. The sample consisted of 32 participants, the intervention group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 17). The outcome variables including blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), salivary cortisol, mood disturbance, symptoms of stress, and mindfulness state were measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention completion, and one-month follow-up. The intervention group received the eight-week MBSR program. The control group received no intervention. ANOVA and ANCOVA were used to examine between-group differences on each of the seven variables. A two-factor ANOVA was used to examine the changes from baseline within-group on all of the seven outcome variables. Qualitative data were derived from in-depth interviews with fifteen participants in the intervention group, non-participant observation, and field notes, as well. Qualitative data were analyzed using editing style content analysis.;The results of quantitative analyses demonstrated that MBSR was associated with statistically significant improvement in physiological and psychological outcomes in early-stage breast cancer survivors, including increased mindfulness state and reduced high blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate at the significance level of p = .05 to p = .001. Some outcome variables are effective at the intervention completion; some are effective at the follow-up measurement, whereas some variables were effective at both measurement time points. The effect of MBSR on reducing stress in this sample was statistically significant on the physiological outcome (morning cortisol) at the measurement immediately after the intervention completion, but this effect was not sustained at one-month follow-up. MBSR showed a trend toward improving psychological outcomes by reducing mood disturbance (POMS) in this sample, but the change did not reach statistical significance at p = .05.;Qualitative findings demonstrated that participants decided to participate in the MBSR study based on two main reasons: "searching for ways of stress reduction" and "having previous knowledge about benefits of mindfulness meditation." All participants reported favorable or pleasant experiences during the practice. These experiences were described as "being really relaxed," " having a sense of peace," and "putting everything aside." In addition to pleasant experiences, four participants reported some unpleasant experiences, including difficulty in doing some yoga positions, pain in certain positions, and difficulty in concentrating during sitting meditation. The changes resulting from implementing meditational techniques in their daily lives were reported as: "reducing stress," "being more aware," "being more accepting," "being refreshed and having more energy," and "having a whole life change." Participants recommended that the MBSR program should be provided for cancer patients, other groups of patients, and communities, as well. In addition, it was suggested that MBSR be integrated into the curricula for health professional students.;These findings suggested that MBSR showed promise in promoting positive physiological and psychological outcomes for early-stage breast cancer survivors and other cancers, as well. |
