Comparison of the childhood trauma, mindfulness attention awareness and integrative self knowledge in cancer patients and general population

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to compare childhood trauma, integrative self-knowledge and mindfulness in patients with cancer and healthy people. Methods This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 139 patients with cancer and 139 healthy people referred to Firoozgar Hospital and SAMAR Charity House who were selected by a convenience sampling method. They were asked to complete Integrative Self-Knowledge (ISK) Questionnaire, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistic methods including MANOVA. Results There was a significant difference between patients and controls in terms of ISK (P<0.001), mindfulness (P<0.001) and childhood trauma (P<0.001). Conclusion Cancer patients have lower ISK and mindfulness but higher childhood trauma compared to healthy people. Attention should be paid to the role of these factors in prevention and treatment processes.