Acceptance and values-based action in chronic pain: a study of treatment effectiveness and process.
Developing approaches within cognitive behavioral therapy are increasingly process-oriented and based on a functional and contextual framework that differs from the focus of earlier work. The present study investigated the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (S. C. Hayes, K. Strosahl, & K. G. Wilson, 1999) in the treatment of chronic pain and also examined 2 processes from this model, acceptance and values-based action. Participants included 171 completers of an interdisciplinary treatment program, 66.7% of whom completed a 3-month follow-up assessment as well. Results indicated significant improvements for pain, depression, pain-related anxiety, disability, medical visits, work status, and physical performance. Effect size statistics were uniformly medium or larger. According to reliable change analyses, 75.4% of patients demonstrated improvement in at least one key domain. Both acceptance of pain and values-based action improved, and increases in these processes were associated with improvements in the primary outcome domains.
Vowles
Kevin E
KE
0000-0003-4255-9067
Centre for Pain Research, School for Health, University of Bath.
McCracken
Lance M
LM
Centre for Pain Research, School for Health, University of Bath.
D002908:Chronic Disease; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome