Coping with pain in the motivational context of values: comparison between an acceptance-based and a cognitive control--based protocol.
This study compares the effect of an acceptance-based protocol (ACT) and a cognitive control-based (CONT) protocol on three measures of pain coping: tolerance, self-report, and believability. Specific methodological controls were employed to further isolate the role of the value of participating in a pain task, compared to previous investigations on the alteration of the function of aversive stimulation. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to one of the conditions (ACT vs. CONT), and a pre-post design was used. In the ACT condition, the protocol established a relation of coordination between the pain-related thoughts and the actions in the valued direction. In the CONT condition, the protocol established a relation of opposition between the same aspects. Results show an increase in pain tolerance and a reduction of self-reported pain at posttest for both conditions. However, ACT participants showed significantly lower believability of pain than did CONT participants. Conceptual and clinical implications are discussed.
Páez-Blarrina
Marisa
M
Spanish Association Against Cancer, Almería, Spain. marisa.paez@aecc.es
Luciano
Carmen
C
Gutiérrez-Martínez
Olga
O
Valdivia
Sonsoles
S
Rodríguez-Valverde
Miguel
M
Ortega
Jose
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D059408:Pain Management