The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Death-Related Distress, Psychological Hardiness, and Psychological Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients

Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in alleviating these symptoms and enhancing psychological hardiness in breast cancer patients. Methods and Materials: A semi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design was conducted, including a control group. The sample consisted of 30 women diagnosed with breast cancer at the Women's Cancer Specialist Center of Khatamol-Anbiya in Tehran in 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (MBCT) or a control group (no intervention). Data were collected using validated scales for death anxiety, death depression, psychological hardiness, and psychological symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Findings: MBCT significantly reduced death anxiety (P = 0.001, F = 15.63), death depression (P = 0.004, F = 21.56), and psychological symptoms (P = 0.001, F = 47.36), and enhanced psychological hardiness (P = 0.004, F = 4.65). Conclusion: MBCT effectively reduces death-related distress, enhances psychological hardiness, and alleviates psychological symptoms in breast cancer patients. These findings suggest MBCT as a valuable therapeutic tool for improving the well-being of breast cancer patients.