Reducing the Effects of Active Surveillance Stress, Uncertainty and Rumination Thru Engagement in Mindfulness Education

MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) is a group-based, 8-week program that was developed at the University of Massachusetts Stress Reduction Clinic under the direction of Jon Kabat-Zinn. MBSR is comprised of a structured, developmentally sequenced curriculum that uses a group format to experientially instruct participants in the practice of mindfulness meditation and mindful Hatha yoga. Each session includes different forms of meditation practice, such as cultivating awareness of thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations, and learning to incorporate this awareness during stressful emotional and/or physical life situations. Lesson activities include the following: (1) mindful meditation (e.g., awareness of breathing, body scan, sitting, walking); (2) yoga; and (3) group discussion.

HealthPro is a health promotion program designed by Dr. David Victorson of Northwestern University Medical Social Sciences Department and his research team to function as a matched control for the MBSR intervention in this research study. The program teaches and promotes healthy behaviors, skills, and lifestyles. Major learning themes include: (1) health behavioral change readiness and self-assessment; (2) physical activity, movement, and non-sedentary lifestyles; (3) dietary and nutritional considerations for optimal health; (4) emotional wellness and coping with difficulties; (5) social engagement, relationships intimacy, and health; (6) managing bodily pain; (7) weight management and weight loss strategies; (8) health behavior maintenance over the long-term.