Self-directed Pain Disengagement Training for Adults with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Pain Catastrophizing

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a self-directed writing-based intervention called Pain Disengagement Training PDT for adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain and high levels of pain catastrophizing. This open pilot trial aims to determine the initial feasibility of recruitment, treatment acceptability, credibility, participant satisfaction, treatment adherence, and feasibility of assessments. The study will help refine the intervention for future larger trials conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital. The PDT intervention consists of about 8 sessions starting with psychoeducation about the link between negative emotions and pain, followed by writing exercises. Sessions include alternating periods of imaginal exposure writing about pain-related worries and positive writing on themes like values and meaningful activities. Participants also practice setting aside time for worrying and then engaging in meaningful activities between sessions. Participants will be assessed at the start and after 6 weeks for recruitment feasibility, treatment acceptability, credibility, satisfaction, and adherence. Various questionnaires and scales will measure pain severity, interference, anxiety, worry, depression, and positive emotions throughout the study. The total participation duration includes baseline, mid-intervention, and post-test assessments to monitor treatment effects and participant experience.

Pain Disengagement Training (Open Pilot)