Actively Recruiting
Pain Disengagement Training: A Self-directed Intervention for Pain Catastrophizing (Open Pilot)
Led by Massachusetts General Hospital · Updated on 2026-04-21
10
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
N
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Pain Disengagement Training (Open Pilot)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Outpatient adults aged 18 years or older
- Self-reported chronic musculoskeletal pain lasting at least 3 months
- Pain score of 4 or higher on the Numerical Rating Scale
- Pain catastrophizing score of 20 or higher on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale
- Willingness and ability to write or type for at least 30 minutes in one sitting
- Received care at Massachusetts General Hospital
- Fluent in English for both speaking and writing
You will not qualify if you...
- Significant change in therapy or medication within the past 3 months
- Severe untreated mental health conditions such as psychosis
- Active suicidality with a plan or current intent
- Serious illness expected to worsen in the next 6 months, for example cancer
- Untreated substance use problem that may interfere with completing the intervention based on self-report
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 - 6 weeks
Participants complete approximately 8 sessions of Pain Disengagement Training. The first session includes psychoeducation, and subsequent sessions involve alternating periods of imaginal exposure writing and positive writing for about 30 minutes each session. Participants also practice techniques between sessions.
Approximately 8 sessions over 6 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Katherine McDermott, PhD
A
Ana-Maria Vranceanu, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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