The Impact of Gratitude Combined with Relaxation Therapy on Anxiety Reduction in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: a Comparative Study

OBJECTIVES: Anxiety is a common concern among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study aimed to explore the impact of relaxation therapy combined with natural expressions of gratitude, either towards God or in a non‐religious context, on anxiety levels in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi‐experimental study was conducted with 46 breast cancer patients aged 18‐65 years at Ngoerah Hospital One Day Care Chemotherapy Clinic from March to December 2023. Participants underwent a 15‐minute relaxation therapy. Following the session, they were naturally assigned to one of two groups based on their response: 26 participants expressed gratitude towards God, and 20 participants expressed plain gratitude. Anxiety levels were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) before and after the intervention. Data were analysed statistically. RESULTS: The gratitude to God group showed a greater reduction in BAI scores (mean difference = 10.93, standard deviation [SD] = 5.73) compared to the plain gratitude group (mean difference = 5.56, SD = 3.43). Paired t‐tests indicated significant reductions in anxiety for both groups (P < 0.001 for both). The independent t‐test revealed a significant difference in anxiety reduction between the two groups (t[44] = 3.24, P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval = 0.89‐8.27), with the gratitude to God group experiencing a larger decrease in anxiety levels. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that relaxation therapy, particularly when accompanied by a natural expression of gratitude directed towards a higher power, may be more effective in reducing anxiety among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.