Mindfulness, Experiential Avoidance, and Recovery From Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

• Published in: Annals of behavioral medicine Vol. 53; no. 10; pp. 886 - 895
• Main Authors: Larson, Anna G, Morris, Keayra J, Juckett, Mark B, Coe, Christopher L, Broman, Aimee T, Costanzo, Erin S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 29.08.2019
• Subjects: Anxiety; Avoidance behavior; Health psychology; Mental depression; Mindfulness; Pain; Recovery (Medical); Regular; Stem cell transplantation; Stem cells; Hematopoietic stem cell transplant; Depression; Fatigue; Pain; Mindfulness; Experiential avoidance
• ISSN: 0883-6612; 1532-4796
• DOI: 10.1093/abm/kay097

Abstract Background Mood disturbance, pain, and fatigue are prevalent and distressing concerns for patients with hematologic cancer recovering from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The way in which individuals approach difficult thoughts and emotions may affect symptoms and functioning. Specifically, mindfulness has been associated with more optimal psychological and physical functioning, whereas experiential avoidance has been associated with poorer outcomes. Purpose The primary objective was to determine whether mindfulness and experiential avoidance measured prior to HSCT were associated with recovery of psychological and physical functioning following HSCT. We also evaluated dimensions of mindfulness to determine which were most robustly associated with outcomes. Methods Participants completed measures of mindfulness and experiential avoidance prior to HSCT. Depression and anxiety symptoms and pain and fatigue interference with daily activities were assessed prior to HSCT and 1, 3, and 6 months post-HSCT. Results Participants who reported better ability to describe their internal experiences and who were better able to act with awareness experienced less depression, anxiety, and fatigue interference following HSCT. Participants who were nonjudgmental and nonreactive toward thoughts and emotions experienced less depression and anxiety following HSCT, but these traits were not associated with pain or fatigue interference. Being a good observer of internal experiences was not associated with outcomes, nor was experiential avoidance. Conclusions Results suggest that most facets of mindfulness may optimize psychological functioning following HSCT, and the ability to describe one’s internal experience and to focus on the present moment may have a beneficial influence on physical functioning. Individuals with cancer who reported taking a mindful approach to thoughts and emotions prior to stem cell transplantation experienced less depression, anxiety, and fatigue during their recovery from transplant.