Improving psychosocial functioning in mastectomized women through a mindfulness-based program: Flow meditation.

Abstract

Women who have survived a mastectomy see their quality of life diminished by postsurgery complica tions and their changed body image. Cancer treatment is often associated with physical and psychosocial
\nproblems that can worsen patients’ psychosocial functioning. This research investigated the influence of
\nflow meditation, a 7-week mindfulness program, on a wide range of psychosocial variables, comprising
\nexperiential avoidance, social avoidance, social anxiety, tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue,
\nresilience, and self-esteem. Using a quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measurements,
\nthe study involved experimental and control groups. Adult women who had breast cancer (N 36) were
\nrandomly assigned to the program or a waiting-list control group. After the intervention, statistically
\nsignificant differences in the 2 groups’ self-esteem, depression, social avoidance, experiential avoidance,
\nresilience, tension, and social anxiety were obtained. The results are clinically significant, with an
\nimportant effect size, and support the program’s use for breast cancer patients who have been
\nmastectomized.