Actively Recruiting
Examining the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Journaling Intervention in Alleviating Temporomandibular Pain
Led by University of Florida · Updated on 2026-01-06
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether a 2-week gratitude journaling activity is feasible and acceptable for people with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) and chronic overlapping pain conditions. The study aims to find out if participants can complete the journaling as planned and how they feel about this activity. It also explores whether gratitude journaling helps reduce pain and its interference with daily life compared to general wellness journaling. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive a gratitude journal and write down three things they are grateful for on three days each week at home for two weeks. The other group will use a general wellness journal to reflect on daily activities in a similar schedule. The study includes two in-person visits to complete questionnaires and tests measuring sensitivity to pressure and heat. During the study, participants will complete the journaling activities at home and attend visits for assessments including questionnaires and physical tests. Researchers will measure participant retention and satisfaction with the treatment at week 4, along with pain intensity and how much pain interferes with daily life. The total participation period includes baseline and 4-week follow-up assessments to monitor outcomes and acceptability.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Journaling Intervention for Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) and Chronic Overlapping Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants between the ages of 18 and 80
- Pain in the temporomandibular (jaw and/or temple) region
- Pain lasting at least 3 months
- Average pain score of 4 or higher on a 0-10 scale over the past week
- At least one additional chronic overlapping pain condition such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine-type headache, tension-type headache, low back pain, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome or chronic prostatitis, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, vulvodynia, or painful endometriosis
- Able to read, understand, and write in English
You will not qualify if you...
- History of TMD surgery
- Neoplasm or injury/trauma to the TMD area
- Cancer-related pain
- Scheduled for any surgeries during the study time-frame
- Current participation in another clinical trial or psychological treatment for pain that would interfere with study outcomes
- Pregnant or lactating
- Severe motor impairments (e.g., muscular dystrophy)
- Severe psychiatric conditions (e.g., uncontrolled mood disorders)
- Severe neurological or cognitive impairments (e.g., uncontrolled Parkinson's disease)
- Any other conditions judged by investigators to make participation unsafe
- Use of opioids within 48 hours prior to laboratory visit
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants perform journaling from home on three days of their choice per week, for two weeks. One group writes a gratitude journal, while another writes a general wellness journal.
No in-person visits required during treatment
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants complete assessments to evaluate treatment satisfaction and pain outcomes.
1 follow-up visit (in-person) at Week 4
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States, 32610
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Melissa Makhoul, PhD, MSN, RN
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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