Effects of interventions on rumination among individuals with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to examine the effects of interventions on rumination among individuals with cancer. Design: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Data Sources: Six databases (Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsyArticles, CINAHL, PubMed and Web of Science) were searched for relevant articles published between January 2000 and April 2020. Review methods: The findings of experimental studies (including both experimental and control groups) related to interventions to effect rumination of individuals with cancer were included. Comprehensive meta‐analysis was used to analyse the data. Hedges’ g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to estimate the effect. Additionally, funnel plots were created and heterogeneity was analysed using the I 2 test. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) was used. Results: Eight studies, which included a total sample of 856 individuals with cancer, were included. Half of the studies ( n = 4) were randomised controlled trials, and six of them had conducted mindfulness‐based interventions. The interventions had significant effects on rumination among individuals with cancer (z = −2.356, Q = 167.663, p < 0.001, I 2 = 95.825%). The effect size was −0.894 (95% CI = [−1.638, −0.150]) and statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: The interventions had reduced rumination among individuals with cancer. These effects should be interpreted with caution because there was a high level of heterogeneity. However, only a few studies were included, and the findings underscore the need for further research. Impact: Many individuals are likely to benefit from rumination‐focused interventions, especially mindfulness‐based interventions. Nurses should utilise available opportunities to facilitate the optimal management of cancer‐related rumination.
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Findings from other studies show that mindfulness reduces rumination for both male and female people with cancer.
“findings from other studies showing that mindfulness reduces rumination for both male and female PWC.66,67”
From Mindfulness and Psychosocial Symptoms in People with Cancer: Testing Rumination and Experiential Avoidance as Mediators, and Sex as a Moderator. (2025) · cites this paper as [66]
Experimental studies in cancer populations show that mindfulness-based interventions reduce rumination.
“evidence from experimental studies in cancer-populations showing MBIs reduce rumination, 66”
From Mindfulness and Psychosocial Symptoms in People with Cancer: Testing Rumination and Experiential Avoidance as Mediators, and Sex as a Moderator. (2025) · cites this paper as [66]
Previous intervention and cross-sectional studies report that rumination mediates the relationship from factors related to mindfulness, such as psychological resilience, to fatigue.
“previous intervention and cross-sectional studies report that rumination mediates the relationship from factors related to mindfulness, such as psychological resilience to fatigue.66,71”
From Mindfulness and Psychosocial Symptoms in People with Cancer: Testing Rumination and Experiential Avoidance as Mediators, and Sex as a Moderator. (2025) · cites this paper as [66]
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- Authors
- Öcalan, S., & Üzar‐Özçetin, Y. S.
- Affiliations
- Hacettepe University (TR)
- Corresponding author
- Öcalan, Sinem
- Üzar‐Özçetin, Yeter Sinem
- Venue
- Journal of Advanced Nursing
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2021-06-14
- Volume
- 77
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 4347-4370
- ISSN
- 0309-2402 (ISSN-L)
- 1365-2648
- OpenAlex
- W3172851346
- Cited by
- 10
- References
- 57
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2
- FWCI
- 0.15
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Advanced Nursing (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Keywords
- rumination, cancer, mindfulness-based interventions, psychological intervention, cancer patients, nursing care
- MeSH terms
- Humans, Neoplasms, Stress, Psychological, Mindfulness
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