The mediating effect of mindfulness on demoralization syndrome and quality of life of thyroid cancer patients: A correlational study

Abstract

Demoralization syndrome is prevalence among cancer patients in China. However, little research has examined how demoralization syndrome is associated with quality of life (QOL). The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between mindfulness state, demoralization syndrome and QOL of thyroid cancer patients, and explore the mediating effect of mindfulness on demoralization syndrome and QOL. A correlational cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire. The study was conducted from July to October 2022 among 310 thyroid cancer patients. General information questionnaire, the Demoralization Scale, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, short form health survey questionnaire were used for investigation. Calculations were performed using SPSS Statistics, version 25. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and process plug-in mediation effect analyses were used to analyze the data. A total of 310 valid questionnaires were finally recovered. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire score of 310 patients was (120.80 ± 16.57), Demoralization Scale score was (12.49 ± 4.73), short form health survey questionnaire score was (146.15 ± 28.46). Mindfulness played a partial mediating role between demoralization syndrome and QOL of thyroid cancer patients, and the mediating effect accounted for 68.57% of the total effect. Demoralization syndrome can influence QOL through mindfulness state. Measures are needed to increase the QOL of thyroid cancer patients by developing mindfulness programs to decrease their demoralization syndrome.

An investigation of the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer

“…Therefore, teaching self-expression and role-playing skills, together with mindfulness exercises as coping tools, can increase patients' ability to act, help them build self-con dence, and prepare them for future action, which in turn can increase their hope (Pouyanfard et al, 2020). Also, when the patients can observe their inner feelings, they can promote conscious action, consciously regulate bad feelings, and have better psychological management of symptoms to reduce the occurrence of demoralization syndrome (YuYu et al, 2023). Also, the present study showed that mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy improved sexual performance in patients.…”

“…Therefore, patients with a high level of mindfulness can treat their illness and life with a peaceful and accepting attitude. Also, mindfulness helps patients to improve their emotional stability and ability to cope with stress to achieve good psychological adjustment and personal growth (YuYu et al, 2023). Therefore, based on the effectiveness of MICBT treatment on the symptoms of women with breast cancer, it is suggested that psychologists and counselors use this treatment as an adjunctive treatment to reduce demoralization and body image and improve sexual performance in women with breast cancer.…”