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Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR(BC)) in breast cancer: evaluating fear of recurrence (FOR) as a mediator of psychological and physical symptoms in a randomized control trial (RCT)

Journal of Behavioral Medicine volume 37, pages 185–195 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

To investigate the mechanism(s) of action of mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR(BC)) including reductions in fear of recurrence and other potential mediators. Eighty-two post-treatment breast cancer survivors (stages 0–III) were randomly assigned to a 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 40) or to usual care group (UC) (n = 42). Psychological and physical variables were assessed as potential mediators at baseline and at 6 weeks. MBSR(BC) compared to UC experienced favorable changes for five potential mediators: (1) change in fear of recurrence problems mediated the effect of MBSR(BC) on 6-week change in perceived stress (z = 2.12, p = 0.03) and state anxiety (z = 2.03, p = 0.04); and (2) change in physical functioning mediated the effect of MBSR(BC) on 6-week change in perceived stress (z = 2.27, p = 0.02) and trait anxiety (z = 1.98, p = 0.05). MBSR(BC) reduces fear of recurrence and improves physical functioning which reduces perceived stress and anxiety. Findings support the beneficial effects of MBSR(BC) and provide insight into the possible cognitive mechanism of action.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute: grant number R21CA109168.

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The authors have no conflicts to report.

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Affiliations

  1. University of South Florida College of Nursing, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC 22, Tampa, FL, 33612-4766, USA

    Cecile A. Lengacher, Melissa M. Shelton, Michelle K. Barta, Versie Johnson-Mallard, Manolete S. Moscoso, Carly Paterson, Sophia Ramesar, Pinky Budhrani, Irina Carranza, Jean Lucas & Kevin E. Kip

  2. H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Richard R. Reich & Paul B. Jacobsen

  3. Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    Matthew J. Goodman

Authors
  1. Cecile A. Lengacher
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  2. Melissa M. Shelton
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  3. Richard R. Reich
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  4. Michelle K. Barta
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  5. Versie Johnson-Mallard
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  6. Manolete S. Moscoso
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  7. Carly Paterson
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  11. Jean Lucas
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  12. Paul B. Jacobsen
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  13. Matthew J. Goodman
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Correspondence to Cecile A. Lengacher.

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Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT00584142.

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Lengacher, C.A., Shelton, M.M., Reich, R.R. et al. Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR(BC)) in breast cancer: evaluating fear of recurrence (FOR) as a mediator of psychological and physical symptoms in a randomized control trial (RCT). J Behav Med 37, 185–195 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-012-9473-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-012-9473-6

Keywords

  • Fear of recurrence
  • Cancer
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
  • Oncology