Mindfulness Intervention
cancer, cancer symptoms
CANCER
Similar to the NF intervention, the manual based, mindfulness-based group training took place twice a week for a period of 5 weeks. The therapy sessions lasted 35 to 40 minutes with groups of 2 to 6 patients. The manual was based on evidence-based mindfulness programs and consisted of psychoeducation and 10 versatile mindfulness exercises.A psychoeducational part focused on the possible psychological consequences of a cancer diagnosis, including the subsequent emotions, coping strategies and psychosomatic processes. Various physical, social, and environmental stressors were discussed that could lead to individual physiological and psychological responses that could mix with cancer symptoms and result in a downward cycle and low quality of life. An approach through a non-judgmental, patient and accepting attitude toward oneself was discussed. In the first session, basic information about mindfulness was provided as well as a 10-minute sitting meditation as a basic exercise. Thereafter, each session began with the basic exercise, followed by another exercise aimed at developing skills such as letting go of ruminating thoughts, accepting negative emotions, and staying in an observing mindfulness role. Some coordination and breathing exercises focused on a physiological impulse and were processed in the group through facial miming expressions and balancing exercises.