The Impact of Mindful Compassion on Sexual Functioning Post Breast Cancer Treatment

Sexual dysfunction is commonly reported post cancer treatments. Sexual desire and body image are interrelated. Indeed, sexual wellbeing can be affected by diagnosis, medication and cancer treatments which can damage body tissues such as the vagina or penis owing to radiation therapy, or insufficient lubrication caused by chemotherapy. Additionally, feeling sore, exhausted, anxious, depressed and 'not in the mood' further contribute to changes in sexual desire Very few evidence-based online interventions have been developed to address sexual difficulties post cancer treatments. This extends to well-being, sexual self efficacy and quality of life. It is imperative that mindful compassion interventions are based on a behavioural taxonomy to support the reliability in the delivery of these interventions. Indeed, this study has set out to identify and describe the key components and behaviour change techniques as part of the online intervention. These have been mapped to a behaviour change taxonomy with the view of supporting standardisation for future trial implementation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an online mindful-compassion intervention using the 3-system model of emotions based on the behavioural taxonomy among a post cancer treatment group with the view of improving quality of life. The study intends to provide preliminary estimates of pre-post intervention on a waitlist controlled randomised controlled trial looking at sexual self-efficacy, well-being, sexual desire, mindfulness and self-compassion. Quantitatively, the research is structured so that participants will be randomised to either the active experimental or delayed group. This intervention will be weekly for approximately 1 to 2 hours over 4 weeks. This A follow-up at 12 weeks will be taken to determine the sustainability of this intervention.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

100 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Must be registered with a General Practitioner
* Must be registered with a healthcare service which supports post-cancer treatment
* Have sexual desire before cancer diagnosis
* Must be aged 18 years or older
* Must be able to read and write English
* Clinical diagnosis of cancer diagnosis via the National Health Service Services
* The Patient Health Questionnaire screening score would be between minimal to mild, 0-9.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently receiving cancer treatments
* Completed cancer treatments within six months
* Are not registered with a General Practitioner
* Are not registered with healthcare services providing post-cancer support
* Aged below 18 years old
* Reading and writing English difficulties
* Self-perceived low/minimal sexual desire before cancer diagnosis (lifelong)
* A terminal illness/end-of-life
* The Patient Health Questionnaire score range would be between moderate to severe, 10-27.

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