Trait Mindfulness, Repression, Suppression, and Self-Reported Mood and Stress Symptoms Among Women With Breast Cancer
Journal of Clinical Psychology
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
Nov 30, 2011
Sources ID:
64376
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
OBJECTIVE:This study sought to identify relationships between trait mindfulness, repressive, and suppressive emotional styles, and the relative importance of these traits in their association with self-reported psychological health among women with breast cancer.
METHOD:
Of the 277 women with breast cancer accrued in the study, 227 (81.9%) completed a set of questionnaires assessing personality traits, stress symptoms, and mood.
RESULTS:
High levels of mindfulness were associated with fewer stress-related symptoms and less mood disturbance, while high levels of suppression were associated with poorer self-reported health.
CONCLUSION:
Individuals' dispositional ways to manage negative emotions were associated with the experience of symptoms and aversive moods. Helping patients cultivate mindful insights and reduce deliberate emotional inhibition may be a useful focus for psycho-oncological interventions.