Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: An Evaluation of the Self-Help Book, Living Beyond Your Pain

Abstract

The current research was a randomised two group (control and treatment) study that evaluated the effectiveness of an ACT-based self-help book for people with chronic pain. Over a 6-week period, 6 participants read the book and completed exercises from it with weekly telephone support while 8 others waited. Five of these others began the intervention after a 6-week control period. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires for acceptance, values illness, quality of life, satisfaction with life, depression, anxiety and pain. Initial outcome data were collected for 8 control participants and 6 intervention participants. A total of 11 participants completed pre- and post-intervention measures. Participants' who read the book, rated the content of the book each week according to reading level and usefulness, and their comprehension of the content was also assessed. Original group data showed statistically significant improvement in acceptance and quality of life for those who completed the intervention. Once the data were pooled, statistically significant improvements in acceptance, quality of life, satisfaction with life, and values illness were found. In general, using the self-help book did not result in reduced pain, depression or anxiety, although for some individuals gains were made in these areas. Individual perceptions of the book components were varied but findings suggest that cognitive defusion and mindfulness were parts of the book that participants found hard. The current findings support the hypothesis that using the self-help book would add value to the lives of people who experience chronic pain. Thus, the book may be a useful tool for people who experience chronic pain.