The Effect of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy Program on Depression among Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are at high risk of developing depression. Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an approach that may help alleviate depression in this patient population. Objective: This study aimed to study the effects of a Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy program on depression in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Method: This study was a quasi-experimental research with two group pre-post tests and follow-up design. The sample consisted of 22 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, divided equally into experimental and control groups (11 patients each). The experimental group participated in a four-session MBCT program, with sessions held once weekly for 60-90 minutes, while the control group received standard nursing care. Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni correction. Result: The experimental group showed significantly different mean depression scores compared to the control group at the statistical level of .05, both immediately after the intervention and at the one-month follow-up. Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < .001) in mean depression scores across three time points including pre-intervention (mean = 12.73, SD = 2.53), immediately post-intervention (mean = 6.73, SD = 1.79), and at one-month follow-up (mean = 5.36, SD = 1.69). Conclusion: The Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy program effectively and sustainably reduced depression in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Healthcare professionals should consider implementing this program as an alternative approach for caring for and treating cancer patients with depression.