Reducing Emotional Distress, Enhancing Function and Improving Network Engagement in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

Based primarily on the instruction of mindfulness meditation and yoga, MBSR is a group-based, 8-week program that was developed at the University of Massachusetts Stress Reduction Clinic under the direction of Jon Kabat-Zinn. MBSR is comprised of a structured, developmentally sequenced curriculum that uses a group format to experientially instruct participants in the practice of mindfulness meditation and mindful Hatha yoga. Each session includes different forms of meditation practice, such as cultivating awareness of thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations, and learning to incorporate this awareness during stressful emotional and/or physical life situations.