Exploring the Effects of Variety and Amount of Mindfulness Practices on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms: Longitudinal Study on a Mental Health-Focused eHealth System for Patients With Breast or Prostate Cancer.
JMIR mental health November 21, 2024 Francesca Malandrone, Sara Urru, Paola Berchialla et al. 8 citations
Patients with cancer who engaged in a wider variety of internet-based mindfulness practices experienced greater reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress than those who practiced more frequently but with less variety. Among 107 patients (68 women with breast cancer, 38 men with prostate cancer), a high correlation (0.94) was found between diverse and sustained mindfulness practices and symptom reduction. Male, married, and highly educated patients were more likely to engage in mindfulness. Dispositional mindfulness and self-compassion did not affect how much or how diversely patients practiced, but higher baseline levels of these traits were associated with larger reductions in psychological distress. The variety of practice, not just the amount, appears crucial for symptom relief.