Linking dispositional mindfulness and positive psychological processes in cancer survivorship: a multivariate path analytic test of the mindfulness-to-meaning theory

Abstract

Background Research indicates that dispositional mindfulness is associated with positive psychological functioning. Although this disposition has been linked with beneficial outcomes in the broader mental health literature, less is known about dispositional mindfulness in cancer survivors and how it may be linked with indices of psychological and physical health relevant to cancer survivorship. Methods We conducted a multivariate path analysis of data from a heterogeneous sample of cancer patients (N = 97) to test the Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory, an extended process model of emotion regulation linking dispositional mindfulness with cancer-related quality of life via positive psychological processes. Results We found that patients endorsing higher levels of dispositional mindfulness were more likely to pay attention to positive experiences (β = .56), a tendency which was associated with positive reappraisal of stressful life events (β = .51). Patients who engaged in more frequent positive reappraisal had a greater sense of meaning in life (β = .43) and tended to savor rewarding or life affirming events (β = .50). In turn, those who engaged in high levels of savoring had better quality of life (β = .33) and suffered less from emotional distress (β = −.54). Conclusions Findings provide support for the Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory, and help explicate the processes by which mindfulness promotes psychological flourishing in the face of cancer.

Dispositional Mindfulness, Perceived Stress, and Mental Well-Being in the Cancer Survivorship

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“…However, few studies to date have examined the mechanisms underlying the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and psychological symptoms except a small sample study [9] proposes that mindfulness can influence every stage of the stress process (e.g., appraisal, coping, emotional outcome, health outcome). Accordingly, mindfulness reduces the degree of stress individual perceived via the promotion of increased present awareness of, and productive responding to, potential stressors (i.e.…”

Developing a novel approach to existential suffering in cancer survivorship through Socratic dialogue

“…Though often studied in relation to terminally ill patients, existential suffering also manifests in cancer survivorship . Psychosocial interventions to address existential suffering traditionally encompass, among others, coping strategies and mindfulness techniques . The human challenges of cancer carry serious underexposed side effects that though addressed by these well‐documented psychosocial interventions is philosophical in nature.…”

“…3 Psychosocial interventions to address existential suffering traditionally encompass, among others, coping strategies 4 and mindfulness techniques. 5 The human challenges of cancer carry serious underexposed side effects that though addressed by these well-documented psychosocial interventions is philosophical in nature. The existential concerns that are caused by the cancer experience go to the very subject matter of philosophy.…”

Cancer Survivor Responses to Socratic Dialogue: An Explorative Study of the Experiences with Participation in an Innovative Intervention

“…Cancer rehabilitation, or restoring oneself post cancer, is a perpetual endeavor that calls on a host of psycho-social activities (Hopman et al, 2015;Park et al, 2008;Garland et al, 2016). Participation in a SDG does not offer assistance in returning to the job market or proposing coping strategies in treating mental stress and anxiety.…”