Efectos del mindfulness en comparación con la terapia cognitiva conductual en pacientes con cáncer de mama.

Abstract

The present research was carried out through a qualitative literature review to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two psychological interventions: Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which were specifically applied to a population of breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to determine which of these approaches demonstrated greater benefits in managing psychological distress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, as well as improving the quality of life. The method was based on the consultation and critical analysis of key scientific literature, including high-impact articles, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses, drawn from specialized databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science. The results confirmed that CBT was notably effective in the modification of dysfunctional thought patterns and the significant reduction of anxiety. Meanwhile, Mindfulness-based approaches stood out for their superiority in emotional regulation, the promotion of acceptance, and, crucially, in the attenuation of physical symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbance. In conclusion, the literature review established that neither approach should be excluded, since their mechanisms of action and effects on specific symptoms were distinct: Mindfulness proved more effective in the management of fatigue, while CBT prevailed in cognitive restructuring. Therefore, it was suggested that the selection or integration of these approaches must be individualized according to the each patient’s profile.