Espiritualidade e Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) no cuidado oncológico, uma revisão narrativa integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: This narrative review aims to examine the relationship between spirituality and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in the context of oncology care, with a particular focus on its impact on the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being of cancer patients. Objective: To investigate the role of spirituality and MBCT in promoting the quality of life in individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Method: A systematic search was conducted across the databases Google Scholar, SciELO, BVS Saúde, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Café, using various combinations of the following descriptors: “Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy” AND “Spirituality” AND “Cancer” and “Mindfulness Interventions” AND “Cancer”. Empirical studies—both qualitative and quantitative—that simultaneously addressed all three descriptors were included. Literature reviews, articles without full-text access, and studies lacking original data were excluded. The selected material was analyzed through narrative synthesis. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the findings indicate that MBCT-based interventions significantly improve the spiritual well-being and quality of life of cancer patients. While spirituality may fluctuate during chemotherapy, it emerges as an important protective factor against existential distress throughout and following cancer treatment. Conclusion: MBCT appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy within the framework of multidisciplinary oncology care, offering relevant support for managing pain, psychological suffering, and the existential (spiritual) challenges associated with the cancer diagnosis and treatment process. Keywords: Mindfulness, spirituality, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, oncology