Mindful self-compassion for lung cancer (MSC-LC): Incorporating perspectives of lung cancer patients, clinicians, and researchers to create an adapted intervention to reduce lung cancer stigma Journal Article
| Authors: | Williamson, T. J.; Brymwitt, W. M.; Gilliland, J.; Carter-Bawa, L.; Mao, J. J.; Lynch, K. A.; Emard, N.; Omachi, S.; Jacobs, R. L.; Tefera, M. Y.; Reese, M. T.; Ostroff, J. S. |
| Article Title: | Mindful self-compassion for lung cancer (MSC-LC): Incorporating perspectives of lung cancer patients, clinicians, and researchers to create an adapted intervention to reduce lung cancer stigma |
| Abstract: | Background: Stigma is a pervasive and distressing problem experienced frequently by lung cancer patients, and there is a lack of psychosocial interventions that target the reduction of lung cancer stigma. Mindful self-compassion (MSC) is an empirically supported intervention demonstrated to increase self-compassion and reduce feelings of shame and distress in non-cancer populations. However, there are several anticipated challenges for delivering MSC to lung cancer patients, and modifications may be needed to improve acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. Purpose: To gather feedback from lung cancer patients, psycho-oncology researchers, expert MSC teachers, and oncology clinicians to identify themes supporting the adaptation of MSC to reduce lung cancer stigma. Methods: We conducted a two-phase process of stakeholder focus groups with researchers and clinicians (n=12) and semi-structured interviews with lung cancer patients (n=14) with elevated stigma. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Five themes were identified: (i) Patients expressed a desire for an intervention that bolstered self-compassion and addressed stigma; (ii) Intervention instructions were acceptable and understood clearly; (iii) Patients preferred intervention content to directly address lung cancer and stigma yet mentioned that doing so should be done with sensitivity; (iv) Ambivalence about delivering the intervention in person or remotely; (v) Acceptance for an intervention of 8-weeks (or longer) with 90-minute sessions and a group size of ≤ 15. Conclusions: Findings informed the development of an adapted clinical protocol for MSC for lung cancer (MSC-LC), which can be pilot tested to determine implementation outcomes (e.g. acceptability, feasibility, efficacy). © Society of Behavioral Medicine 2025. |
| Keywords: | adult; clinical article; aged; middle aged; treatment duration; cancer patient; lung neoplasms; psychology; lung cancer; clinical protocol; information processing; lung tumor; empathy; psycho-oncology; distress syndrome; self concept; feedback system; health care delivery; qualitative research; therapy; focus groups; scientist; teacher; stigma; semi structured interview; personnel; research personnel; patient preference; content analysis; thematic analysis; shame; procedures; clinician; psychosocial intervention; adaptation; social stigma; mindfulness; humans; human; male; female; article; self-compassion; patient engagement; videoconferencing; stakeholder engagement; ambivalence; self compassion |
| Journal Title: | Translational Behavioral Medicine |
| Volume: | 15 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| ISSN: | 1869-6716 |
| Publisher: | Springer |
| Date Published: | 2025-01-01 |
| Start Page: | ibae074 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1093/tbm/ibae074 |
| PUBMED: | 39868945 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC11770822 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledged in the PubMed record and PDF. Source: Scopus |
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