Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Perceived Stress in Women With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies
Abstract
Objectives
To identify the relationships between mindfulness, self-compassion, and perceived stress among breast cancer survivors, and to evaluate the extent to which self-compassion mediates the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress.
Methods
This study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. A systematic literature search was conducted in the Scopus, Medline, ProQuest, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. The review included only quantitative studies, published in English between 2015 and 2025, that involved women with breast cancer and examined the relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion, and perceived stress in dyads, regardless of geographical location. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated the methodological quality of each study using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. The findings were then analyzed and integrated using narrative synthesis.
Results
Twelve studies were selected from a total of 1,302. They employed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale (short and long forms), the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale. Perceived stress was generally negatively associated with mindfulness and self-compassion. Studies involving self-compassion meditation were limited. Sociodemographic and baseline characteristics were commonly included as covariates.
Conclusion
This systematic review highlights the significance of mindfulness and self-compassion in perceived stress and notes that their combined effects have been only minimally explored. Findings may assist nursing researchers in tailoring mindfulness and self-compassion interventions to reduce perceived stress through implementation by nurses in clinical settings. Future studies should also refine mindfulness measures to enhance their applicability and effectiveness in the context of breast cancer.
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