To Örebro University

Objectives: Chronic pain is often associated with suffering. Self-criticism is associated with depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to explore if fusing acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and compassion focused therapy (CFT), could improve psychological wellbeing and disability in chronic pain patients with high levels of self-criticism in comparison to a wait-list control group. 

Methods: Individuals with chronic pain (n=71) were randomly assigned to an 8-week internet-based intervention focused on acceptance and compassion or a wait-list condition. Primary treatments outcomes were Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale, and Pain Disability index. Secondary outcomes were Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Anxiety sensitivity index, Quality of Life Inventor, Multidimensional Pain Inventory and Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire. 

Results: Missing data at post-intervention was 22.5%. ITT-analyses were conducted using linear mixed-models. Results revealed significantly greater levels of acceptance and self-compassion for the treatment group, which were primary outcomes, with effect sizes ranging from small to large and these results were maintained at six-month follow-up. Rates of clinical significant improvements were also greater for the treatment group in comparison to the wait-list control group on acceptance and compassion. Results in the third primary outcome showed also improvements in disability levels. Significant differences were also found in several of the secondary outcomes, in favour for the treatment group.

Discussion: Internet-based ACT with CFT components shows promise as a viable treatment option in the management of chronic pain.