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Predictors and Effects of Class Attendance and Home Practice of Yoga and Meditation Among Breast Cancer Survivors in a Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) Program

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Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated health benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) among cancer patients. While sustained mindfulness practice is an integral part of MBIs, few studies have examined the role of home practice on intervention outcomes. Also, little is known about characteristics of those who attend more classes and practice more yoga and meditation. Hence, this study investigated predictors and outcomes of engagement in a Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) program. Questionnaire data and home practice logs of 38 breast cancer survivors were collected before and after MBCR. A range of demographic, personality, and symptom-related factors were measured. Correlations and regression analyses were conducted. Only greater baseline anxiety was correlated with more home meditation practice (p < .05). Class attendance (p < .01) and home meditation and yoga practice (p < .001) were all significantly associated with improved post-traumatic growth (PTG) and attendance with improved spirituality (p < .001) and vigor (p < .01). In multiple regression, total home practice time was the best predictor of improvements in PTG. Class attendance was the best predictor of changes in vigor and improvements in spirituality, and meditation time was the best predictor of improvements in mood. More neurotic survivors attended more classes (p < .01), while more defensive women attended fewer (p < .05). Additionally, married or cohabitating women, those with greater baseline self-esteem (p < .01) and to a lesser extent lower depressive mood, higher social support, and more extraversion (p < .05), practiced more yoga during the program. Directionality and clinical significance of these changes need to be further investigated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Center, Alberta Health Services Cancer Control, 1331 29 St NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2, Canada

    Rie Tamagawa, Michael Speca, Barbara Pickering & Linette Lawlor-Savage

  2. British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Joanne Stephen

  3. Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2202 2nd St. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2S 3C9, Canada

    Linda E. Carlson

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  1. Rie Tamagawa
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  2. Michael Speca
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  3. Joanne Stephen
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  4. Barbara Pickering
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  5. Linette Lawlor-Savage
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  6. Linda E. Carlson
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Correspondence to Linda E. Carlson.

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Tamagawa, R., Speca, M., Stephen, J. et al. Predictors and Effects of Class Attendance and Home Practice of Yoga and Meditation Among Breast Cancer Survivors in a Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) Program. Mindfulness 6, 1201–1210 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-014-0381-4

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