The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Attention and Pain-related Symptoms in Chronic Pain Patients

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Attention and Pain-related Symptoms in Chronic Pain Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The main purpose of this study is to determine the degree to which Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, a group-based psychological therapy that includes mindfulness meditation exercises, reduces depression, anxiety, stress, pain intensity, and interference of pain with daily life among adult chronic pain patients.

The second purpose is to examine the role of attention in improving psychological and physical health for chronic pain patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult chronic pain patients who are proficient in English
• Capable of interacting with others in a group setting
• Capable of working with a computer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Alcohol or drug abuse (past history is acceptable as long as their situation has been stable for at least 3 months)
• Psychiatric psychosis (patients who have a past history of schizophrenia are eligible as long as they are currently stable)
• Current major depressive disorder
• Current severe social phobia
• At immediate risk for suicide
• Cerebral lesions or tumors (unless medically and cognitively stable)
• Neurological disease
• Medically unstable
• Cognitively unstable
• Previously participated in a mindfulness meditation program