Effect of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Method on Illness Perceptionand Rumination in Patients With Cancer

Cancer is one of the most important diseases of the century. It is the secondleading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosis of cancer followed by long treatmentprocess is a stressful experience. This study aims to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based stressreduction (MBSR) therapy on illness perception and rumination in patients with cancer.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pre-test, post-test, follow-updesign. The statistical population consists of all patients (males and females) with cancer in Ahvaz, Iranin 2021. Using a purposive sampling method, 40 were selected and divide into the experimental andcontrol groups (20 in each group). To collect data, the illness perception questionnaire of Moss-Morriset al. (2003) and the ruminative response scale of Nolen-Hoeksema and Morrow (1991) were used.The experimental group underwent MBSR (8 sessions 60 minutes), while the control group received notreatments. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance.

The MBSR was effective in improving illness perception and reducing rumination in patients(P<0.001).

MBSR can be used to improve illness perception and reduce rumination in patients withcancer.