Examining the Effect of Benson’s Relaxation Technique on Hope among Patients with Breast Cancer

Promoting hope among patients with breast cancer is of significant importance. Several studies have proposed various methods to increase hope among chronic patients. In this regard, the current study aimed at determining the effect of Benson’s relaxation technique on hope among patients with breast cancer. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 100 patients under chemotherapy at Velayat Hospital of Qazvin during three months in 2016 to 2017. Using a convenience sampling method and a randomized complete block design, the samples were randomly assigned to two groups, i.e. an experimental group (50 people) and a control group (50 people). A questionnaire on demographic and disease-related information and Herth Hope Index were filled by both groups before implementing the intervention. The experimental group received two sessions of the relaxation technique before initiating the chemotherapy. Three months later, the Herth Hope Index was completed again by both groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test, a t-test, and an ANCOVA carried out via SPSS23. Results of this study showed that, after conducting the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores of hope obtained by the patients assigned to the experimental group (38.8 ± 4.1) and the control group (36.4 ± 3.8) gained by modifying hope scores of the patients before carrying out the intervention (F =3.9, P = 0.04). According to the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that using Benson’s relaxation technique has an effective application in promoting hope among patients with breast cancer. Therefore, conducting further studies to examine this issue is recommended.