A randomized, wait-list controlled clinical trial: The effect of a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program on mood and symptoms of stress in cancer outpatients

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of partici pation in a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program on mood d isturbance and symptoms of stress in cancer outpatients. Methods: A randomi zed, wait-list controlled design was used. A convenience sample of eligible cancer patients enrolled after giving informed consent and were randomly a ssigned to either an immediate treatment condition or a wait-list control c ondition. Patients completed the Profile of Mood States and the Symptoms of Stress Inventory both before and after the intervention. The intervention consisted of a weekly meditation group lasting 1.5 hours for 7 weeks plus h ome meditation practice. Results: Ninety patients (mean age, 51 years) comp leted the study. The group was heterogeneous in type and stage of cancer. P atients' mean preintervention scores on dependent measures were equivalent between groups. After the intervention, patients in the treatment group had significantly lower scores on Total Mood Disturbance and subscales of Depr ession, Anxiety, Anger, and Confusion and more Vigor than control subjects. The treatment group also had fewer overall Symptoms of Stress; fewer Cardi opulmonary and Gastrointestinal symptoms; loss Emotional irritability, Depr ession, and Cognitive Disorganization; and fewer Habitual Patterns of stres s. Overall reduction in Total Mood Disturbance was 65%, with a 31% reductio n in Symptoms of Stress. Conclusions: This program was effective in decreas ing mood disturbance and stress symptoms in both male and female patients w ith a wide variety of cancer diagnoses, stages of illness, and ages.