The dynamic of mindfulness and spirituality among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy Wastu Adi Mulyono, Chung-Hey Chen, Hsing-Mei Chen
Jenderal Soedirman University
National Cheng Kung University
Abstract
Background
Suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy are vulnerable conditions. According to the Reeds Self-Transcendence Theory, this vulnerability may promote well-being through a mechanism called self- transcendence. Developing patients spiritualities as well as their mindfulness are manifestations of the self-transcendence itself.
Purposes
This study was to investigate whether the spirituality and mindfulness changes following time.
Methods
A longitudinal study was conducted to observe mindfulness and spirituality among 180 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Measurements were conducted in three points; at the first contact, after 1 month, and after three months. The dynamic of mean score were described in trend. FACIT-Sp12 and FMI Bahasa Indonesia version were applied to measure Spirituality and Mindfulness.
Results
Three means of mindfulness scores from three measurement points were 34,06 (5.09), 33,22 (6.21) and 40.38. While, there set of means of spirituality score were 33.34 (3.84), 30.89 (4.91) and 32.57 (4.65).
Conclusion
Both mindfulness and spirituality change dynamically in each measurement. Scores of mindfulness tend to higher in the third measurement than the first one, while the spirituality score tends to lower than the first measurement in the third measurement. This finding indicated that time may affect in the dynamic of mindfulness and spirituality among cancer patients. Further study may consider series of measurement when observe mindfulness and spirituality.
Keywords: self transcencence, mindfulness, spirituality, quality of life, survivorship
