The potential benefits of a mindfulness-based Compassion Intervention (MBCI) on Bio-Psycho-Spiritual Well-being of Chinese with Cancer: A 2-arm Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Self‐compassion is the self‐directed loving attitude in times of adversity; it is associated with well‐being and better adjustment to stress among individuals exposing to hypothetical stressors. Nevertheless, we know little about the clinical application of self‐compassion in coping with life‐threatening situations. This randomized controlled pilot study explored the potential benefits of an 8‐week Mindfulness‐based Compassion Intervention (MBCI) on self‐compassion and bio‐psycho‐spiritual outcomes of people with cancer. Methods: Forty‐four Chinese cancer patients, with primary treatment completed, were randomly assigned to either the MBCI (N = 22) or the wait‐list control group (N = 22). They were surveyed twice on a self‐administered questionnaire packet on self‐compassion, emotion experience, quality of sleep, and cancer‐related symptoms at baseline and post‐intervention. Results: Repeated measures analyses were conducted to explore the potential benefits of MBCI, with baseline negative affect and age as covariates. Compared with the wait‐list control group, the MBCI group showed statistically significant improvements in self‐compassion, the ability to describe their inner experience, and to respond to them in a non‐reacting way. They also experienced more positive effect and reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms. MBCI participants also reported fewer cancer‐related symptoms, as well as symptom distress. Nevertheless, the potential benefits of MBCI in improving quality of sleep remained inconclusive. Conclusions: Results of the pilot study supported the potential benefits of an 8‐week Mindfulness‐based Compassion Intervention in cultivating self‐compassion and promoting bio‐psycho‐spiritual well‐being among people with cancer. Further research could examine the role self‐compassion plays in mindfulness practices and the sustainability of positive gains at post‐intervention.