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 complications and their changed body image. Cancer treatment is often associated with physical and psychosocial problems that can worsen patients’ psychosocial functioning. This research investigated the influence of flow meditation, a 7-week mindfulness program, on a wide range of psychosocial variables, comprising experiential avoidance, social avoidance, social anxiety, tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, resilience, and self-esteem. Using a quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measurements, the study involved experimental and control groups. Adult women who had breast cancer (N 36) were randomly assigned to the program or a waiting-list control group. After the intervention, statistically significant differences in the 2 groups’ self-esteem, depression, social avoidance, experiential avoidance, resilience, tension, and social anxiety were obtained. The results are clinically significant, with an important effect size, and support the program’s use for breast cancer patients who have been mastectomized.