Mindful Self-Compassion for Lung Cancer (MSC-LC)
Researchers at Loyola Marymount University are partnering with individuals diagnosed with lung cancer to evaluate how a mindfulness program can help patients navigate difficult thoughts and feelings that arise from stigma. Join our 10-week compensated study today!
Fast Facts
diagnosed with lung cancer
18 Years and Older
Compensation Provided
Conducted remotely nationwide
Study Background
Mindful Self-Compassion for Lung Cancer (MSC-LC)
Nearly all lung cancer patients report experiencing stigma, a critical psychosocial issue that contributes to poor psychological and physical health outcomes. To address it, we have developed a tailored version of the empirically supported Mindful Self-Compassion program.
The MSC-LC intervention program consists of nine weekly 90-minute group sessions delivered via Zoom, where participants will learn and practice skills of mindfulness and self-compassion in order to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions that arise from lung cancer stigma.
The three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness, a sense of common humanity, and balanced, mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to suffering, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to our essential interrelatedness, so that we know we are not alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warm-hearted, connected presence.
Participants will engage in guided meditations, reflections, and group discussions facilitated by two expert teachers. If randomized to the control group, participants will be provided with a list of mental health resources; after 16 weeks, control participants will be offered the opportunity to receive the same MSC-LC program that was delivered to those in the intervention group.
Your participation in this research program may help in the development of supportive care programs for lung cancer patients.
Study Background
Mindful Self-Compassion for Lung Cancer (MSC-LC)
Nearly all lung cancer patients report experiencing stigma, a critical psychosocial issue that contributes to poor psychological and physical health outcomes. To address it, we have developed a tailored version of the empirically supported Mindful Self-Compassion program.
The MSC-LC intervention program consists of nine weekly 90-minute group sessions delivered via Zoom, where participants will learn and practice skills of mindfulness and self-compassion in order to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions that arise from lung cancer stigma.
The three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness, a sense of common humanity, and balanced, mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to suffering, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to our essential interrelatedness, so that we know we are not alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warm-hearted, connected presence.
Participants will engage in guided meditations, reflections, and group discussions facilitated by two expert teachers. If randomized to the control group, participants will be provided with a list of mental health resources; after 16 weeks, control participants will be offered the opportunity to receive the same MSC-LC program that was delivered to those in the intervention group.
Your participation in this research program may help in the development of supportive care programs for lung cancer patients.
Additional Information
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Key Criteria:
- 18 years or older
- Diagnosed with lung cancer
- Live in the United States
- Comfortable reading and responding to questions in English
Lung cancer patients will be invited to either
- complete a 10-week Mindful Self-Compassion for Lung Cancer (MSC-LC) program that involves guided meditations, reflections, and group discussions that is delivered remotely and facilitated by two expert teachers.
- join a waitlist control group for the MSC-LC program. Control group participants will be invited to complete the MSC-LC program after 16 weeks.
Participants will also complete surveys four times across 16 weeks on topics including stigma, mental health outcomes, quality of life, and coping strategies. After participants complete the MSC-LC program, a subset of participants will be invited to share their feedback with the study team on their experience with the MSC-LC program.
All participants will receive a $60 gift card for completing the four questionnaire assessments ($15 per completed assessment, paid all at once after study completion). A subset of participants will receive an additional $60 gift card as compensation if they complete a qualitative interview at the end of the study.