Mindfulness and Cancer : a literature review and empirical study

Holden, Emily Ruth (2010). Mindfulness and Cancer : a literature review and empirical study. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This paper presents a new conceptualisation of how mindfulness-based interventions might be of psychological benefit to cancer patients and a review of the empirical literature evaluating the extent to which such benefits exist. The paper begins with an overview of mindfulness-based interventions, the mechanisms by which they are thought to have their therapeutic effects, and how they might apply to people dealing with the multiple challenges that cancer presents. This is followed by a review of the literature examining the effects of mindfulness-based interventions for cancer patients, specifically assessing how well the literature is currently able to address three key questions: 1. For whom is mindfulness helpful? 2. Does it matter how the intervention is packaged? 3. What kinds of benefits can mindfulness offer to cancer patients? A narrative synthesis of the literature finds some evidence that mindfulness-based interventions can offer psychological benefits to cancer patients but concludes that a preponderance of uncontrolled studies has led to prematurely strong conclusions in the literature. Finally, the paper suggests some implications of the review for clinicians, purchasers and researchers.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):