Randomized controlled trial of group-blended and individual-unguided online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) to reduce psychological distress in people with cancer

Description

Objective: Online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) can reduce psychological distress in people with cancer, but adherence and scalability could be improved. Through co-creation, we developed two eMBCT formats: group-blended and individual-unguided. This trial compared the effects of the two eMBCT to care as usual (CAU) on psychological distress and other mental health outcomes in people with cancer. Methods: In this parallel, three-armed randomized controlled trial, people with cancer were randomly allocated to group-blended eMBCT, individual-unguided eMBCT, or CAU. Participants completed baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and three months follow-up assessments. The primary outcome analysed in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population was psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at post-treatment.

Principal Investigator

Nasim Badaghi

Other Collaborators

Linda Kwakkenbos, Judith Prins, Rogier Donders, Saskia Kelders, Anne E Speckens

Publication Details

  • Doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.70286
  • Year Of Publication: 2025
  • Country: Netherlands

Study Info

  • Study Design: RCT,
  • Population Type: Clinical, cancer
  • Age Group: Adults (25-65)
  • Control Group: Passive control group
  • Total Sample Size: 186

Intervention Info

  • Intervention Type: Adapted / Non-Standard MBI
  • Intervention Details: Group-blended and individual-unguided eMBCT were based on the MBCT program by Segal et al. (2018). Both conditions followed the prototypical 8-week MBCT (2,5-h sessions per week), with formal and informal mindfulness practices, reflections, homework (30 min to an hour daily), and a silent day. In a co-creation process, we adapted the program by including psychoeducation about cancer and grief and modifying the movement exercises for people with cancer. Intervention development and session content have been published elsewhere.
  • Intervention Length: 8
  • Questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form (FCRI), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (FFMQ-SF), Mental Health Continuum Scale-Short Form (MHC-SF), Checklist Individual Strength (fatigue severity subscale only), Self-compassion Scale (SCS), Experiences Questionnaire (decentering subscale only), Rumination and Reflection Questionnaire (rumination subscale only), Twente Engagement with E-health Technologies Scale (TWEETS)

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