Internet-Based Self-Help Mindful Self-Compassion Intervention for Parents of Children With Cancer: A Pilot Study.
Xiangyi Tan, Yuwei Zhang, Yiling Yang, Ruiqing Cai, Jinlu Chen, Jiangnan Meng, Xiaofeng He, Jiaying Huang, Jing Zhang, Weijie Wang, Jiubo Zhao, Lei Shi
Western journal of nursing research December 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1177/01939459231206316 via PubMed
Summary
A 6-week internet-based self-help mindful self-compassion program for Chinese parents of children with cancer improved self-compassion, reduced re-experiencing of trauma, eased physical depressive symptoms, and enhanced sleep quality. In a pre-post-test study without a control group, 34 parents participated; significant changes were observed in those four areas. Two participants reported distress, with one withdrawing. The findings suggest the program is feasible and beneficial, though future work should address retention.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pre-post-test study without a control group Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 34 |
| Population | Chinese parents of children with cancer |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Parent Pediatric oncology Self-compassion Self-help |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | The mindful self-compassion program improved self-compassion, re-experiencing, physical depressive symptoms, and sleep quality in parents of children with cancer. |
Abstract
Parents of children with cancer may experience persistent psychological distress and impaired physical health throughout their children's diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to develop a mindful self-compassion program for parents of children with cancer and explore its effect. This pre-post-test study without a control group was conducted with 34 Chinese parents of children with cancer, using mixed methods. Participants received a 6-week internet-based self-help mindful self-compassion intervention. Self-compassion, post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, and sleep quality were measured at baseline and at 10 weeks post-baseline. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 completers within 10 days after the intervention was completed. Significant differences were observed in self-compassion, re-experiencing, physical depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. Two participants reported feeling miserable or recalling distressing experiences, of which one withdrew from the study while the other completed the intervention. The program could improve self-compassion, re-experiencing, physical depressive symptoms, and sleep quality in parents of children with cancer, which demonstrated the feasibility of delivering a self-help mindful self-compassion intervention through the internet. Increasing retention rates in future studies merits further discussion.