Ando, M., Morita, T., Akechi, T., Ito, S., Tanaka, M., Ifuku, Y., & Nakayama, T. (2009). The efficacy of mindfulness-based meditation therapy on anxiety, depression, and spirituality in Japanese patients with cancer. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 12, 1091–1094.
To assess the efficacy of mindfulness-based meditation therapy on the anxiety, depression, and spiritual well-being of Japanese patients undergoing anticancer treatment
Researchers used a modified version of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program. The modification focused on cyclic mediation (breathing and meditation). Each session lasted 30–60 minutes and was conducted by nurses or a clinical psychologist. The first session consisted of the cyclic mediation program and recommendations to perform the mediation at home once daily, using a CD or DVD. After two weeks the patients met with interviewers and discussed impressions.
Pre- and postintervention questionnaire
The mindfulness-based intervention as provided in this study was associated with decreased anxiety and depression.
Nursing interventions that can help reduce the anxiety and depression of cancer treatments need exploration. More studies that result in reproducible measures are needed.