ACT for Chronic Pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Meaningful living with pain: the value of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in chronic pain.
IRAS ID
171206
Contact name
Claire Purtill
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 27 days
Research summary
This study forms part of an academic requirement for the doctorate in clinical psychology. The study will focus on what is most valued from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain.
ACT is a mindfulness-based behaviour therapy which uses six core processes to facilitate sustainable change and create meaningful quality of life, these are; acceptance, values, self as context, present moment, cognitive defusion and committed action (Roditi & Robinson, 2011). Based on the view that avoidance and control of emotions creates psychological suffering (Harris, 2006), ACT focuses on accepting painful thoughts, feelings and sensations in a way that means they have a lesser impact on the individual. ACT looks at what truly matters to the individual, developing compassion towards the self, being in the present moment, and taking committed action towards a meaningful life (Harris, 2006).
Chronic pain is a health problem that affects well-being, functioning and quality of life (Vowles, Witkiewitz, Sowden & Ashworth, 2014). It is a long-term complex sensory, emotional, cognitive and behavioural condition which occurs when pain cannot be resolved by available medical or other treatments (The British Pain Society, 2013).
The evidence base for ACT and chronic pain remains underdeveloped. This study hopes to add to the clinical significance and reliability of ACT through subjectively identifying the important aspects of ACT in the process of change for individuals with chronic pain.
A Q methodological approach will identify which aspects of ACT are most valued. Statements from focus groups of ACT clinicians and patients who have completed an ACT based pain management programme (PMP) will be used in a Q-sort to identify the most important aspects of ACT for chronic pain. Participants will be asked to rate the range of statements in accordance with their importance for their future well-being and quality of life.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0488
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion