Art-based mindfulness had higher adherence in an oncology nursing trial
Both mindfulness programs improved stress and mindfulness compared with a waitlist. The program incorporating art also had higher adherence and satisfaction than standard mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Adding art to a mindfulness program was associated with greater participation and satisfaction among oncology nurses in this trial. Both active programs improved stress and mindfulness compared with a waitlist control. These results distinguish engagement from symptom outcomes; they do not establish that the programs are equivalent or that either is best for everyone.
Reported assessments stop at the program's end, leaving longer-term effects unclear. The abstract gives limited detail on symptom scales and on the comparisons behind its depression and fatigue estimates.
What researchers found
Program adherence
Art-based mindfulness versus standard mindfulness-based stress reduction during the 8-week program; adherence assessed using attendance rates (p < 0.05).
Participation was measured separately
Attendance rates and satisfaction questionnaires captured engagement with the programs. These measures help describe how nurses took part, but should be considered separately from stress, fatigue or depression scores.
Symptom findings need context
The authors describe more favorable depression results for standard mindfulness and fatigue results for the art program. The abstract does not clearly identify the reference groups behind these estimates, limiting direct comparisons.
The original publication
Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy for Oncology Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Wu W, Zhang J, Ye Y et al.
Worldviews Evid Based Nurs · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41881490
- Record checked
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