Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training and Self-Care Training on Sexual Self-Esteem in Women with Breast Cancer

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student, Department of Psychology, UAE.C., Islamic Azad University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2 Department of Psychology, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran

3 Department of Medical Oncology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Psychology, Allameh University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of mindfulness training and self-care training on sexual self-esteem in women with breast cancer. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test, two-month follow-up, and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all patients (aged 30–50) suffering from breast cancer who applied to the "Firoozgar Hospital" cancer research center located in Tehran City in 2022 and underwent mastectomy surgery. The sampling method was purposive. Forty-five available patients were selected (15 in each experimental group) and randomly assigned to experimental group 1 (mindfulness training) and experimental group 2 (self-care training). Fifteen other patients were placed in the control group and did not receive any training. The Sexual Self-Esteem Scale (Zeanah & Schwarz, 1996) was administered in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. The training packages were the mindfulness training package (Kabat-Zinn, 2015) and the self-care training package (Clark et al., 2014). Both trainings were applied to the experimental groups (45 minutes each session) weekly, and the control group did not receive any training. The data were analyzed by mixed analysis of variance. Results showed that both mindfulness training and self-care training were equally effective in increasing sexual self-esteem in women with breast cancer (p < 0.001). The two-month follow-up confirmed these results. Using mindfulness and self-care training (especially mindfulness) can increase sexual self-esteem in women with breast cancer. Therefore, mindfulness and self-care training (especially mindfulness) are effective in raising sexual self-esteem, and it is necessary to use these methods to improve the therapy of these women with breast cancer, as these components effectively enhance the health of these patients.

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References

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Journal of Modern Psychological Researches
Volume 21, Issue 81
May 2026
Pages 166-178

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 September 2023
  • Revise Date: 21 October 2023
  • Accept Date: 28 October 2023

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