Despite the heterogeneity in intervention components and outcome variables , there were generally few significant associations between amount of meditation practice and its outcomes .
Interventions using the " Four  Immeasurables Meditations " ( FIM ) are effective for various outcomes ; however , whether increased meditation practice in these interventions leads to better results has not been well investigated .
Feasibility of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) for breast cancer survivors: a randomized, wait list controlled pilot study
Purpose This study assessed the feasibility of a meditation-based program called Cognitively-Based Compassion Training ( CBCT ) with breast cancer survivors . Enrollment and participant satisfaction with a novel intervention , adherence to program requirements , and differences between the intervention group and wait list controls on self-report measures were also assessed . Additionally , cortisol , a stress-related endocrine biomarker , was assessed . Methods Participants ( n = 33 ) were r and omly assigned to CBCT or the wait list . CBCT provided eight weekly , 2-h classes and a “ booster ” CBCT session 4 weeks later . CBCT participants were expected to attend classes and meditate between classes at least three times per week . Pre-/post-intervention and follow-up question naires measured symptom change ( depression , intrusive thoughts , perceived stress , fear of cancer recurrence , fatigue/vitality , loneliness , and quality of life ) . Saliva sample s were collected at the same periods to assess the slope of diurnal cortisol activity . Results Enrollment , class attendance , home practice time , and patient satisfaction exceeded expectations . Compared to controls , post-intervention , the CBCT group showed suggestions of significant improvements in depression , avoidance of intrusive thoughts , functional impairment associated with fear of recurrence , mindfulness , and vitality/fatigue . At follow-up , less perceived stress and higher mindfulness were also significant in the CBCT group . No significant changes were observed on any other measure including diurnal cortisol activity . Conclusions Within the limits of a pilot feasibility study , results suggest that CBCT is a feasible and highly satisfactory intervention potentially beneficial for the psychological well-being of breast cancer survivors . However , more comprehensive trials are needed to provide systematic evidence . Relevance CBCT may be very beneficial for improving depression and enhancing well-being during breast cancer survivorship
Despite the heterogeneity in intervention components and outcome variables , there were generally few significant associations between amount of meditation practice and its outcomes .
Interventions using the " Four  Immeasurables Meditations " ( FIM ) are effective for various outcomes ; however , whether increased meditation practice in these interventions leads to better results has not been well investigated .