A randomized, controlled trial of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) for women with cancer

Psychooncology. 2006 May;15(5):363-73. doi: 10.1002/pon.988.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gather data on the efficacy of a newly developed psychosocial group intervention for cancer patients, called mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT). One hundred and eleven women with a variety of cancer diagnoses were paired by age and randomized to either an eight-week MBAT intervention group or a wait-list control group. Ninety-three participants (84%) completed both the pre- and post-study measurements. As compared to the control group, the MBAT group demonstrated a significant decrease in symptoms of distress (as measured by the Symptoms Checklist-90-Revised) and significant improvements in key aspects of health-related quality of life (as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey). This investigation of MBAT provides initial encouraging data that support a possible future role for the intervention as a psychosocial treatment option for cancer patients.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Art Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Philadelphia
  • Quality of Life
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control*