Brief Online Intervention for Chronic Pain

The Expressive Writing Paradigm: A Study of Therapeutic Effectiveness for Chronic Pain

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of writing about chronic pain on mental and physical health. The effectiveness of two different types of brief online writing interventions will be explored in individuals with chronic pain.

Chronic pain is highly prevalent and costly, but often not treated effectively. Psychological interventions are needed as part of chronic pain treatment since the pain affects many aspects of an individual's life. In particular, brief psychological interventions that are easily accessible (i.e., online) could benefit many people with chronic pain. Writing interventions have been used in recent years to understand difficult experiences. Writing interventions have been found to help individuals explore distressing thoughts and feelings, such as those that are associated with pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with chronic pain or a chronic pain condition or discussed pain management strategies (e.g., pain medication) with a doctor
• Experience pain on most days of the month for at least six months
• Able to read and write in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic pain directly caused by a terminal condition (e.g., stage 4 cancer)