The Mindful Compassion Program Integrated with Body-Mind-Spirit Empowerment for Reducing Depression in Lung Cancer Patient-Caregiver Dyads.

Summary

Patients with lung cancer in dyadic groups saw a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, particularly younger individuals with higher baseline quality of life distress. Out of 56 dyads, those receiving a mindful compassion program experienced enhanced self-compassion and mindfulness, resulting in lowered anxiety and improved overall health. Caregivers also contributed to these positive outcomes by boosting patients' quality of life. Tailoring mindfulness and compassion interventions to individual needs can effectively address anxiety and depressive symptoms, fostering better mental health for both patients and caregivers.

Abstract

Objective: This study compared the long-term effects of a mindful compassion program on improving depression in lung cancer patients, both in patient-caregiver dyads and in patient-only groups, and examined the moderating roles of anxiety and quality of life (QOL). Method: Participants consisted of 56 dyads, who were randomly assigned to either the dyadic or patient-only groups. Data collection included various assessments at different time points: baseline (T0), end of intervention (T1), and follow-up at the 5th month (T2), 8th month (T3), and 14th month (T4). Results: Patients in the dyadic group experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. The dyadic intervention was particularly beneficial for younger patients and those with higher baseline QOL symptom distress. Improvements in patients' mindfulness and self-compassion contributed to reduced depression by enhancing general health and lowering anxiety. Additionally, caregivers' self-compassion played a role in reducing patients' depression by improving patients' QOL functioning and decreasing anxiety. Conclusions: Mindfulness and compassion interventions, whether provided dyadically or individually, can be tailored to each patient's specific condition.

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