The effect of MBCT mindfulness-based cognitive therapy techniques on increasing hope in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of mindfulness techniques on increasing hope in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. For this purpose, 30 cancer patients in two control and experimental groups were available by sampling. This research method was semi-experimental, and in this regard, Freiberg (2001) and Snyder (1991) hope test questionnaires were used to collect data. The subjects of the experimental group participated in 8 sessions of 35 minutes of individual psychological therapy of mindfulness. The Freiberg test was performed in the experimental group to mentally prepare the patients for the research before the mindfulness sessions. Also, the subjects responded to Snyder's hope questionnaire as a pre-test and post-test. For data analysis, mean difference and analysis of covariance test (ANCOVA) were used in SPSS software version 22. The findings showed that mindfulness techniques have a positive effect on increasing hope in cancer patients. These findings can provide a new platform for optimal psychological interventions along with medical treatments, to help cancer patients undergoing treatment.