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

Background and Objectives Cancer is one of the most important diseases of the century. It is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosis of cancer followed by long treatment process is a stressful experience. This study aims to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy on illness perception and rumination in patients with cancer. Subjects and Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design. The statistical population consists of all patients (males and females) with cancer in Ahvaz, Iran in 2021. Using a purposive sampling method, 40 were selected and divide into the experimental and control groups (20 in each group). To collect data, the illness perception questionnaire of Moss-Morris et 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 no treatments. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Results The MBSR was effective in improving illness perception and reducing rumination in patients (P<0.001). Conclusion MBSR can be used to improve illness perception and reduce rumination in patients with cancer.