Mindfulness-based self-compassion to enhance ontological well-being in breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness-based self-compassion program (MBSCP) in enhancing ontological well-being (OWB) among breast cancer survivors. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a university hospital in T & uuml;rkiye. Seventy-one women with a history of breast cancer were randomized into an intervention group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 36). The intervention group received the MBSCP, while the control group received no additional support. Ontological well-being was measured using the Ontological Well-Being Scale (OWBS) at baseline, post-intervention, and 3month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Participants in the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in overall OWBS scores and in the subscales of hope, action, and nothingness compared to the control group (p < .001). No significant differences were observed for the regret subscale. Conclusions: The MBSCP effectively enhanced ontological well-being in breast cancer survivors. These findings suggest that integrating mindfulness-based existential support into survivorship care may promote psychological resilience and holistic well-being.