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.