Scientific References - Stress and Health
Coagulation Activity Before and After Acute Psychosocial Stress Increases With Age, Petra H. Wirtz, PhD, Laura S. Redwine, PhD, Carmen Baertschi, MS, Maria Spillmann, MS, Ulrike Ehlert, PhD and Roland von Känel, MD
Psychosom Med 2008 70: 476-481.
The influence of the psyche and the brain on immunity and disease susceptibility: a critical review, MP Rogers, D Dubey, and P Reich
Psychosom Med 1979 41: 147-164.
Sympathetic reactivity to acute stress and immune response in women, KA Matthews, AR Caggiula, CG McAllister, SL Berga, JF Owens, JD Flory, and AL Miller
Psychosom Med 1995 57: 564-571.
Acute Stress Induces Proinflammatory Signaling at Chronic Inflammation Sites Ulrike Weik, Armin Herforth, Viktoria Kolb-Bachofen, and Renate Deinzer
Psychosom Med 2008 70: 906-912.
Role of stress in the etiology and treatment of diabetes mellitus, RS Surwit and MS Schneider, Psychosom Med 1993 55: 380-393.
Adaptation to the tumor-enhancing effects of stress, LS Sklar, V Bruto, and H Anisman, Psychosom Med 1981 43: 331-342.
Cardiovascular and immune responses to acute psychological stress in young and old women: a meta-analysis, RJ Benschop, R Geenen, PJ Mills, BD Naliboff, JK Kiecolt-Glaser, TB Herbert, G van der Pompe, GE Miller, KA Matthews, GL Godaert, SL Gilmore, R Glaser, CJ Heijnen, JM Dopp, JW Bijlsma, GF Solomon, and JT Cacioppo
Psychosom Med 1998 60: 290-296.
Psychological Stress and Antibody Response to Immunization: : A Critical Review of the Human Literature, Sheldon Cohen, Gregory E. Miller, and Bruce S. Rabin, Psychosom Med 2001 63: 7-18.
Stress and Neonatal Sleep, Robert N. Emde, Robert J. Harmon, David Metcalf, Kenneth L. Koenig, Samuel Wagonfeld, Psychosom Med 1971 33: 491-498.
Experiences of a Mindfulness-Based Stress-Reduction Intervention Among Patients With Cancer. Kvillemo P, Bränström R. Cancer Nurs. 2010 Jun 15.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review., Smith JE, Richardson J, Hoffman C, Pilkington K., J Adv Nurs. 2005 Nov;52(3):315-27.
Erratum in: J Adv Nurs. 2006 Mar;53(5):618.
BACKGROUND: There is increasing recognition of mindfulness and mindfulness training as a way to decrease stress and increase psychological functioning. OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this study was to examine the perceived effects and experiences of mindfulness stress-reduction training as described by patients with cancer participating in a mindfulness-based stress-reduction training program. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS:: The study is based on analysis of data collected in semistructured interviews of the participants (n = 18) after the completion of a mindfulness-meditation training program. The intervention consisted of an 8-week mindfulness-training course. RESULTS:: Most participants expressed a number of perceived positive effects of participating in the mindfulness program including increased calm, enhanced sleep quality, more energy, less physical pain, and increased well-being. However, a few participants experienced no effect. Both negative and positive views of the specific meditation and yoga exercises included in the program were expressed. Components that were described as of particular importance, regarding the experience of participating in the program, were the nonjudgmental and accepting approach guiding the program and the instructors, the influence of the group process and sharing experiences with patients with similar experiences, and the emphasis on increased awareness of the present moment. CONCLUSION:: This study gives support for the use of mindfulness programs in reducing stress-related complaints among some patients with a cancer diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:: The positive experiences of mindfulness training reported by patients with cancer call for further studies examining the possibilities and requirements for implementation of mindfulness programs in clinical practice.
AIM: This paper reports a systematic review and critical appraisal of the evidence on the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for cancer supportive care. BACKGROUND: The experience of cancer can have a negative impact on both psychological and physical health and on quality of life. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a therapy package that has been used with patients with a variety of conditions. In order to draw conclusions on its effectiveness for cancer patients, the evidence requires systematic assessment. METHODS: A comprehensive search of major biomedical and specialist complementary medicine databases was conducted. Additionally, efforts were made to identify unpublished and ongoing research. Relevant research was categorized by study type and appraised according to study design. Clinical commentaries were obtained for each study and included in the review. RESULTS: Three randomized controlled clinical trials and seven uncontrolled clinical trials were found. A lack of relevant qualitative research studies was identified. Studies report positive results, including improvements in mood, sleep quality and reductions in stress. A dose-response effect has been observed between practice of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and improved outcome. A number of methodological limitations were identified. Modifications to the traditional Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme make comparison between studies difficult and a lack of controlled studies precludes any firm conclusion on efficacy. CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction has potential as a clinically valuable self-administered intervention for cancer patients. Further research into its efficacy, feasibility and safety for cancer patients in the nursing context is recommended.
