Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy reduces parenting anxiety and enhances quality of life in patients with breast cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, often leading to significant emotional and psychological stress. This stress is compounded by concerns about parenting roles and the potential impact on children. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has shown promise in addressing anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, its effects on parenting anxiety and self-efficacy in patients with breast cancer are underexplored.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of MBCT on parenting anxiety, negative emotions, quality of life (QoL), and self-efficacy in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 249 patients with breast cancer admitted between January 2024 and December 2024. Participants were divided into two groups: The conventional treatment group (n = 123) and the MBCT group (n = 126), based on chosen treatment methods. Interventions lasted 8 weeks, with one session per week. Outcomes were measured using standardized questionnaires, including parenting anxiety [parenting concerns questionnaire (PCQ)], parenting sense of competence [parenting sense of competence scale (PSOCS)], negative emotions (self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale), hospital anxiety and depression [hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)], trauma-related distress [impact of event scale-revised (IES-R)], mindfulness (five-facet mindfulness questionnaire), QoL [functional assessment of cancer therapy-breast (FACT-B)], symptom severity (numeric rating scales), and self-efficacy [general self-efficacy scale (GSES)].

RESULTS

Post-treatment, the MBCT group showed a marked reduction in parenting anxiety scores (PCQ: MBCT 50.54 ± 4.65 vs conventional 52.12 ± 5.53, P = 0.016) and notable improvement in parenting competence (PSOCS total: MBCT 61.56 ± 4.65 vs conventional 59.75 ± 4.96, P = 0.003). The MBCT group also exhibited significant reductions in anxiety (HADS anxiety: MBCT 6.78 ± 1.65 vs conventional 7.31 ± 2.08, P = 0.027) and trauma-related distress (IES-R intrusion: P = 0.030; avoidance: P = 0.004; hyperarousal: P = 0.035). QoL scores significantly improved in the MBCT group in terms of physiological condition (FACT-B: MBCT 13.85 ± 3.93 vs conventional 12.55 ± 2.75, P = 0.003) and functional status (P = 0.010). Enhanced self-efficacy was observed in strategic effectiveness (GSES: MBCT 9.87 ± 0.75 vs conventional 9.72 ± 0.13, P = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

MBCT significantly reduces parenting anxiety and enhances self-efficacy, QoL, and emotional regulation in patients with breast cancer.

Keywords: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; Breast cancer; Parenting anxiety; Quality of life; Self-efficacy; Psychological stress

Core Tip: This study demonstrates that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) significantly reduces parenting anxiety and improves emotional regulation, self-efficacy, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Unlike conventional care, MBCT specifically targets parenting-related distress and enhances mindfulness skills, offering a holistic approach to psychological support during cancer treatment.