Effectiveness of a Pilot Mindfulness Program in Volunteers of a Breast Cancer Association

• Main Authors: Sheila Pintado Cucarella, Marina Chiba Giannini
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2016-10-01
• Series: Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587215602408

It has been usually observed that medical and health personnel, volunteers, and social workers who work with cancer and chronic patients may have higher rates of compassion fatigue and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits of a pilot mindfulness program in a sample of 7 volunteers of a foundation that supports women with breast cancer. The variables analyzed were depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, work stress, and negative and positive affect. The results showed that the mindfulness program had a positive impact, reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression and increasing emotional well-being. Participants also reported that the program helped them be more relaxed, identify their emotions, enjoy their time and environment better, increasing the value of life, and facilitate communication among the volunteers. The program produced positive changes in participants, powering personal areas and increasing emotional well-being.