This page provides publications and direct links to pain-related resources located in various locations around the ACBS website.

Infographics

• What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Pain? (ACT for Pain Infographic created by Pain SIG April 2021)

State of ACT Evidence

• Division 12 of the APA lists ACT as supported for chronic pain with strong research evidence. http://www.div12.org/psychological-treatments/treatments/
• The World Health Organization lists ACT as empirically supported ("moderate certainty") in the reduction of functional disability in children and adolescents with chronic pain. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240017870
• The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends ACT for pain for people aged 16 years and over with chronic primary pain, delivered by healthcare professionals with appropriate training. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng193
• The Australian Psychological Society, Evidence Based Psychological Interventions in the Treatment of Mental Disorders (2018) states that there is Level II evidence was found for acceptance and commitment therapy for Adults and Children (ages 10-14). https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/23c6a11b-2600-4e19-9a1d-6ff9c2f26fae/Evidence-based-psych-interventions.pdf
• The Netherlands Institute of Psychologists (NIP) recommends ACT for patients with MS with depressive symptoms
• The Swedish Association of Physiotherapy (physical therapy) includes ACT as a physiotherapeutic theory and practice in the definition of the profession.

Assessment Measures

• Acceptance & Action Questionnaire II (AAQ-II)
• Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II-pain version (AAQ-II-P)
• Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ)
• Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS)

Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science Articles:

• Monitoring change in heart rate variability following acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain: Results of a randomized controlled trial for individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (2023)
• Gender differences in multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation: The mediating role of pain acceptance (2022)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy for adolescents and adults with neurofibromatosis type 1, plexiform neurofibromas, and chronic pain: Results of a randomized controlled trial (2021)
• Assessment methods in single case design studies of psychological treatments for chronic pain: A scoping review (2021)
• Growth in crisis: A mixed methods study of lessons from our patients with chronic pain during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021)
• Theoretical grounds of Pain Tracker Self Manager: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy digital intervention for patients with chronic pain (2020)
• A contextual-behavioral perspective on chronic pain during the COVID-19 pandemic and future times of mandated physical distancing (2020)
• Psychological flexibility, self-compassion and daily functioning in chronic pain (2020)
• Appetitive augmental functions and common physical properties in a pain-tolerance metaphor: An extended replication (2020)
• Individuals perspectives related to acceptance, values and mindfulness following participation in an acceptance-based pain management programme (2020)
• Mindfulness predicts current risk of opioid analgesic misuse in chronic low back pain patients receiving opioid therapy (2020)
• Becoming flexible: Increase in parent psychological flexibility uniquely predicts better well-being following participation in a pediatric interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program (2020)
• Assessing values – Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Valuing Questionnaire in adults with chronic pain (2019)
• Cutoff scores for the 8-item version of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ-8) to identify different profiles of pain acceptance patterns, levels of function and behavioral flexibility (2019)
• Might psychological flexibility processes and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) apply in adults with painful diabetic neuropathy? A cross-sectional survey (2019)
• Further validation of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire for Adolescents in a broader paediatric context (2019)
• The utility of the Valuing Questionnaire in Chronic Pain. (2018)
• Acceptance-based behavioural treatment for insomnia in chronic pain (2018)
• Further validation of the Chronic Pain Values Inventory in a Swedish chronic pain sample (2017)
• Dimensionality and validity of the Committed Action Questionnaire (CAQ-8) in a chronic pain and university student population (2017)
• Practice-based evidence for outpatient, acceptance & commitment therapy for veterans with chronic, non-cancer pain (2016)
• The Self Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ): Preliminary analyses fora measure of self in people with chronic pain (2016)
• In search of the person in pain: A systematic review of conceptualization, assessment methods, and evidence for self and identity in chronic pain (2015)
• A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for adults with chronic pain: Outcome domains, design quality, and efficacy (2014) 
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain: A diary study of treatment process in relation to reliable change in disability (2014)

Meta-analysis and Systemic Reviews

• Lai, L., Liu, Y., McCracken, L. M., Li, Y., & Ren, Z. (2023 in press). The efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain: A three-level meta-analysis and a trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 104308. DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104308
• Gandy, M., Pang, S., et al. (2023 in press). Internet-delivered cognitive and behavioural based interventions for adults with chronic pain, Pain. DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002606
• Han, A., Wilroy, J. D., & Yuen, H. K. (2023) Effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on depressive symptoms, anxiety, pain intensity, quality of life, acceptance, and functional impairment in individuals with neurological disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychologist. DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2022.2163158
• Fardi, D., Mohammadi, S., Kazemi, S. S., & Montazeri, A. (2023). Psychological interventions in patients with chronic low back pain: a scoping review. Payesh (Journal of the Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research), 22(1). Retrieved From: http://payeshjournal.ir/article-1-2054-en.pdf
• Witkiewitz, K., & Vowles, K. E. (2023). Everybody Hurts: Intersecting and Colliding Epidemics and the Need for Integrated Behavioral Treatment of Chronic Pain and Substance Use. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 32(3), 228–235. DOI: 10.1177/09637214231162366
• Ma, T-W., Yuen, A. S.-K., Yang, Z. (2023). The Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 39(3), 147-157. DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000001096
• Tatta, J., Willgens, A.M., Palombaro, K.M., (2022). Mindfulness-and-Acceptance-Based Interventions (MABIs) in Physical Therapist Practice: The Time Is Now. Physical Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab293
• Fang, S, & Ding, D. (2022). Which outcome variables are associated with psychological inflexibility/flexibility for chronic pain patients? A three level meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1069748. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1069748. 
• Ding, D. & Zheng, M. (2022). Associations between six core processes of psychological flexibility and functioning for chronic pain patients: A three-level meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 893150. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.893150
• Murillo, C., Vo, T., Vansteelandt, S., Harrison, L. E., Cagnie, B. N., Coppieters, I., Chys, M., Timmers, I., & Meeus, M. (2022). How do psychologically based interventions for chronic musculoskeletal pain work? A systematic review and meta-analysis of specific moderators and mediators of treatment. Clinical Psychology Review, 94, 102160. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102160
• Cheng, D. K., Paris Lai, K. S., Pico-Espinosa, O. J., Rice, D. B., Chung, C., Modarresi, G., & Sud, A. (2022). Interventions for depressive symptoms in people living with chronic pain: A systematic review of meta-analyses. Pain Medicine, 23(5), 934–954. DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab248
• McCracken L M, Yu L, Vowles K E. (2022). New generation psychological treatments in chronic pain. BMJ, 376, e057212. DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-057212
• Trindade, I.A., Guiomar, R., Carvalho, S.A., Duarte, J., Lapa, T., Menezes, P., Nogueira, M.R., Patrão, B., Pinto-Gouveia, J., Castilho, P. (2021). Efficacy of online-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain,  22(11), 1328-1342.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2021.04.003
• Ramos, S., & Dias, A. (2021). Acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain: A systematic review. European Psychiatry, 64(S1), S437-S437. DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.1166
• Cojocaru, C., Suciu, B.-A., Popa, C., Szasz, S., Mărginean, R., Suciu, N. & Schenk, A. (2021). Acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety and depressive symptoms co-occurring with chronic postsurgical pain and fibromyalgia. Health, Sports & Rehabilitation Medicine, 22(3), 188-195. DOI: 10.26659/pm3.2021.22.3.188
• Gorsky, K., Black, N.D., Niazi, A., et al (2021). Psychological interventions to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption: A narrative review of literature. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, 46, 893-903. DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2020-102434
• Grinberg, A.S., Best, R.D., Min, K.M. et al. (2021). Cluster headache: Clinical characteristics and opportunities to enhance quality of life. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 25, 65. DOI: 10.1007/s11916-021-00979-8
• van de Graaf, D. L., Trompetter, H. R., Smeets, T., & Mols, F. (2021). Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions for chronic pain: A systematic literature review. Internet Interventions, 26, 100465. DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100465.
• Jaén, I., Díaz-García, A., Pastor, M.C., & García-Palacios, A. (2021). Emotion regulation and peripheral psychophysiological correlates in the management of induced pain: A systematic review. PLoS ONE 16(6): e0253509. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253509
• Galvez-Sánchez, C. M., Montoro, C. I., Moreno-Padilla, M., Reyes del Paso, G. A., & de la Coba, P. (2021). Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Central Pain Sensitization Syndromes: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(12), 2706. DOI: 0.3390/jcm10122706
• Williams ACC, Fisher E, Hearn L, Eccleston C. (2020) Psychological therapies for the management of chronic pain (excluding headache) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev., 8(8):CD007407. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007407.pub4
• Coronado, R. A.; Brintz, C. E.; McKernan, L. C.; Master, H.; Motzny, N.; Silva, F. M.; Goyal, P.M.; Wegener, S.T.; Archer, K. R. (2020) Psychologically informed physical therapy for musculoskeletal pain: current approaches, implications, and future directions from recent randomized trials. PAIN Reports: 5, 5, p. e847. DOI: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000847
• Vowles, K. E., Pielech, M., Edwards, K. A., McEntee, M. L., & Bailey, R. W. (2019). A Comparative Meta-Analysis of Unidisciplinary Psychology and Interdisciplinary Treatment Outcomes Following Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adults with Chronic Pain. The Journal of Pain, 21(5-6), 529-545. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2019.10.004
• Hee-Sook Kang, Sung-Dong Hwang, Sang-Eun Jun. (2019) Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 28:3, pages 271.
• Bernardy, K., Klose, P., Welsch, P. and Häuser, W. (2018), Efficacy, acceptability and safety of cognitive behavioural therapies in fibromyalgia syndrome – A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Pain, 22: 242-260. DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1121
• Feliu-Soler, A., Montesinos, F., Gutiérrez-Martínez, O., Scott, W., Mccracken, L., & Luciano, J. (2018). Current status of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain: A narrative review. Journal of Pain Research, 11, 2145-2159. DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S144631
• Schütze, R. Rees, C., Smith, A., Alater, H., Campbell, J. M., & O'Sullivan, P. (2018). How can we best reduce pain catastrophizing in adults with chronic noncancer pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain, 19, 233-256. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.09.010
• Bernardy, K., Klose, P., Welsch, P. and Häuser, W. (2018), Efficacy, acceptability and safety of cognitive behavioural therapies in fibromyalgia syndrome – A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Pain, 22: 242-260. DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1121
• Gilpin, H. R., Keyes, A., Stahl, D. R., Greig, R. & McCracken, L. M. (2017). Predictors of treatment outcome in contextual cognitive and behavioral therapies for chronic pain: A systematic review. The Journal of Pain, 18, 1153-1164. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.04.003
• Hughes, L. S., Clark, J., Colclough, J. A., Dale, E., & McMillan, D. (2017). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Clinical Journal of Pain, 33, 552-568. DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000425
• Simpson, P. A., Mars, T., & Esteves, J. E. (2017). A systematic review of randomised controlled trials using acceptance and commitment therapy as an intervention in the management of non-malignant, chronic pain in adults. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 24, 18-31. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijosm.2017.03.001
• Pielech, M.; Vowles, K.E.; Wicksell, R. (2017) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Pediatric Chronic Pain: Theory and Application. Children, 4, 10. DOI: 10.3390/children4020010
• Veehof, M. M., Trompetter, H. R., Bohlmeijer, E. T. & Schreurs, K. M. G. (2016). Acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of chronic pain: A meta-analytic review. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 45, 5-31. DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2015.1098724
• Yu, L., McCracken, L.M. (2016) Model and Processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain Including a Closer Look at the Self. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 20, 12. DOI: 10.1007/s11916-016-0541-4
• Scott, W., McCracken, L.M. (2015) Psychological flexibility, acceptance and commitment therapy, and chronic pain. Current Opinion in Psychology, 2, Pages 91-96. DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2014.12.013
• McCracken LM, Vowles KE. (2014) Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness for chronic pain: model, process, and progress. Am Psychol. 69(2):178-87. DOI: 10.1037/a0035623
• Hann, K. E. J., & McCracken, L. M. (2014). A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of acceptance and commitment therapy for adults with chronic pain: Outcome domains, design quality, and efficacy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 3,, 217-227. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2014.10.001
• Veehof, M. M., Oskam, M., Schreurs, K. M. G., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2011). Acceptance-based interventions for the treatment of chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain, 152, 533-542. DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.11.002
• Thompson, M., McCracken, L.M. (2011) Acceptance and Related Processes in Adjustment to Chronic Pain. Current Pain and Headache Reports,15, 144–151 (2011). DOI: 10.1007/s11916-010-0170-2
• McCracken, L.M., Vowles, K.E. (2006) Acceptance of chronic pain. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 10, 90–94. DOI: 10.1007/s11916-006-0018-y

ACT Randomized Controlled Trials:

• Alfoone, A., Imani, M., & Sarafraz, M. R. (2021). A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Group Therapy Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Experiential Avoidance and Cognitive Fusion in Patients with Migraine Headache. Armaghan-e-Danesh, 25(1), 69-83.
• Vowles, K. E., Witkiewitz, K., Cusack, K. J., Gilliam, W. P., Cardon, K. E., Bowen, S., Edwards, K. A., McEntee, M. L., & Bailey, R. W. (2020). Integrated behavioral treatment for veterans with co-morbid chronic pain and hazardous opioid use: A randomized controlled pilot trial. The Journal of Pain. Volume 21, Issue 7-8, 798-807.
• Vasiliou, V. S., Karademas, E. C., Christou, Y., Papacostas, S., & Karekla, M. (2020). Acceptance and commitment therapy for primary headache sufferers: A randomized controlled trial of efficacy. The Journal of Pain.
• Davoudi, M., Taheri, A. A., Foroughi, A. A., Ahmadi, S. M., & Heshmati, K. (2020). Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on depression and sleep quality in painful diabetic neuropathy: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders.
• Taheri, A. A., Foroughi, A. A., Mohammadian, Y., Ahmadi, S. M., Heshmati, K., Hezarkhani, L. A., & Parvizifard, A. A. (2020). The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Pain Acceptance and Pain Perception in Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Diabetes Therapy, 11, 1695-1708.
• Godfrey, E., Wileman, V,. Holmes, M. G., McCracken, L. M., Norton, S., Moss-Morris, R., Noonan, S., Barcellona, M., & Critchley, D. (2020). Physical therapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (PACT) versus usual care physical therapy for adults with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Pain, 21(1-2), 71-81.
• Anthony, C. A., Rojas, E. O., Keffala, V., Glass, N. A., Shah, A. S., Miller, B. J., Hogue, M., Willey, M. C., Karam, M., & Marsh, J. L. (2020). Acceptance and commitment therapy delivered via a mobile phone messaging robot to decrease postoperative opioid use in patients with orthopedic trauma: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(7), e17750.
• Hadlandsmyth, K., Dindo, L. N., Wajid, R., Sugg, S. L., Zimmerman, M. B., & Rakel, B. A. (2019). A single‐session acceptance and commitment therapy intervention among women undergoing surgery for breast cancer: A randomized pilot trial to reduce persistent postsurgical pain. Psycho‐Oncology, 28, 2210-2217.
• Razavi, S. B., Aboalghasimi, S., Akbari, B., & Nadirinabi, B. (2019). Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on feeling hope and pain management of women with chronic pain. Journal of Anesthesiology and Pain, 10(1), 36-49.
• Davoodi, M., Shameli, L, & Hadianfard, H. (2019). The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on chronic fatigue syndrome and pain perception in people with multiple sclerosis. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology, 3, 250-265.
• Lin, J., Paganini, S., Sander, L., Lüking, M., Ebert, D. D., Buhrman, M., Andersson, G., & Baumeister, H. (2017). An internet-based intervention for chronic pain: A three-arm randomized controlled study of the effectiveness of guided and unguided acceptance and commitment therapy. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 114, 681-688.
• Paganini, S., Lin, J., Kählke, F., Buntrock, C., Leiding, D., Ebert, D. D., & Baumeister, H. (2019). A guided and unguided internet- and mobile-based intervention for chronic pain: health economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 9, e023390.
• Critchley, D., McCracken, L., Wileman, Galea Holmes, M., Norton, S. & Godfrey, E. (2019). Physiotherapy informed by acceptance and commitment therapy (PACT) for people with chronic low back pain: A randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy, 105(Supplement 1), e34-e35. DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2018.11.279
• Shin, J. S., & Lee, B. K. (2018). Effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on pain, pain interference, and life satisfaction for the elderly people with chronic pain. Stress, 26,(3), 231-242. DOI: 10.17547/kjsr.2018.26.3.231
• Dindo, L., Zimmerman, M. B., Hadlandsmyth, K., StMarie, B., Embree, J., Marchman, J., Tripp-Reimer, T., & Rakel, B. (2018). Acceptance and commitment therapy for prevention of chronic post-surgical pain and opioid use in at-risk veterans: A pilot randomized controlled study. The Journal of Pain, 19, 1211-1221. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.04.016
• Simister, H. D., Tkachuk, G. A., Shay, B. L., Vincent, N., Pear, J. J., & Skrabek, R. Q. (2018). Randomized controlled trial of online acceptance and commitment therapy for fibromyalgia. The Journal of Pain, 19(7), 741-753. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.02.004
• Givehki, R., Afshar, H., Goli, F., Scheidt, C. E., Omidi, A., & Davoudi, M. (2018). Effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on body image flexibility and body awareness in patients with psychosomatic disorders: A randomized clinical trial. Electronic Physician, 10(7), 7008-7016. DOI: 10.19082/7008
• Nazari, Z., Ebrahimi, M. E., Naseh, S. A. M., & Sahebi, A. (2018). Investigation of the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on chronic pain in the elderly. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, 12(2), S444. DOI: 10.22377/ajp.v12i02.2374
• Wiklund, T., Linton, S. J., Alföldi, P., & Gerdle, B. (2018). Is sleep disturbance in patients with chronic pain affected by physical exercise or ACT-based stress management? - A randomized controlled study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 19:111. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2020-z
• Kanstrup, M., Wicksell, R. K., Kemani, M., Lipsker, C. W., Lekander, M., & Holmström, L. (2016). A clinical pilot study of individual and group treatment for adolescents with chronic pain and their parents: Effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on functioning. Children, 3: 30. DOI: 10.3390/children3040030
• Cederberg, J. T., Cernvall, M., Dahl, J., von Essen, L., & Ljungman, G. (2016). Acceptance as a mediator for change in acceptance and commitment therapy for persons with chronic pain? International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 23, 21-29.  DOI: 10.1007/s12529-015-9494-y
• Alonso-Fernández, M., López-López, A., Losada, A., González, J. L, & Wetherell, J. L. (2016). Acceptance and commitment therapy and selective optimization with compensation for institutionalized older people with chronic pain. Pain Medicine, 17, 264-277. DOI: 10.1111/pme.12885
• Trompetter, H. R., Bohlmeijer, E. T., Veehof, M. M., & Schreurs, K. M. G. (2015). Internet-based guided self-help intervention for chronic pain based on acceptance and commitment therapy: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 38, 66-80. DOI: 10.1007/s10865-014-9579-0
• Nasiri, A., & Kazemi-Zahrani, H. (2015). The effectiveness of group acceptance and commitment therapy on pain intensity, pain catastrophizing and pain-associated anxiety in patients with chronic pain. Asian Social Science, 11, 112-120. DOI: 10.5539/ass.v11n26p112
• Kemani, M. K., Olsson, G. L., Lekander, M., Hesser, H., Andersson, E., & Wicksell, R. K. (2015). Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy and applied relaxation for longstanding pain: A randomized controlled trial. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 31, 1004-1016. DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000203
• Luciano, J. V., Gullar, J. A., Aguado, J., López-del-Hoyo, Y., Olivan, B., Magallón, R., Alda, M., Serrano-Blanco, A., Gilli, M., & Garcia-Campayo, J. (2014). Effectiveness of group acceptance and commitment therapy for fibromyalgia: A 6-month randomized controlled trial (EFFIGACT study). Pain, 155, 693-702. DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.12.029
• Gharaei-Ardakani, S., Abbas, S., Tavallaie, Zahra Dehghanizade, Z., Tork, M., Eydi-Baygi, M., & Nikbakhsh, H. (2014). The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on mental health in women with chronic pain. Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences, 3(8), 78-83.
• Ghomian, S. & Shairi, M. R. (2014). The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for children with chronic pain on the quality of life of 7 to 12 year-old children. International Journal of Pediatrics, 2, 47-55. DOI: 10.22038/IJP.2014.2995
• Ghomain, S., & Shari, M. R. (2014). The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for children with chronic pain (CHACT) on the function of 7 to 12 year-old children. International Journal of Pediatrics, 2, 195-203. DOI: 10.22038/IJP.2014.2569
• Kristjánsdóttir, Ó. B., Fors, E. A., Eide, E., Finset, A., Stensrud, T. L., van Dulmen, S., Wigers, S. H., & Eide, H. (2013). A smartphone-based intervention with diaries and therapist-feedback to reduce catastrophizing and increase functioning in women with chronic widespread pain: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 15, 1-17. DOI: 0.2196/jmir.2249
• Wicksell, R. K., Kemani, M., Jensen, K., Kosek, E., Kadetoff, D., Sorjonen, K., Ingvar, M. & Olsson, G. L. (2013). Acceptance and commitment therapy for fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Pain, 17, 599-611. DOI: 10.1002/j.1532-2149.2012.00224.x
• McCracken, L. M., Sato, A., & Taylor, G. J. (2013). A trial of a brief group-based Form of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain in general practice: Pilot outcome and process results. The Journal of Pain, 14, 1398-1406. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2013.06.011
• Alonso, M. A., Lopez, A., Losada, A., & Gonzalez, J. L. (2013). Acceptance And Commitment Therapy and selective optimization with compensation for older people with chronic pain: A pilot study. Psicologia Conductual, 21, 59-79. Gale Document Number: GALE|A328944068
• Buhrman, M., Skoglund, A., Husell, J., Bergström, K., Gordh, T., Hursti, T., Bendelin, N., Furmark, T. & Andersson, G. (2013). Guided internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain patients: A randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 51, 307-315. DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2013.02.010
• Mo’tamedi, H., Rezaiemaram, P., & Tavallaie, A. (2012). The effectiveness of a group-based acceptance and commitment additive therapy on rehabilitation of female outpatients with chronic headache: Preliminary findings reducing 3 dimensions of headache impact. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 52, 1106-1119. DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2012.02192.x
• Jensen, K. B., Kosek, E., Wicksell, R., Kemani, M., Olsson, G., Merle, J. V., Kadetoff, D., & Ingvar, M. (2012). Treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy increases pain-evoked activation of the prefrontal cortex in patients suffering from chronic pain. Pain, 153, 1495-1503. DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2012.04.010
• Wetherell, J. L., Afari, N., Rutledge, T., Sorrell, J. T., Stoddard, J. A., Petkus, A. J., Solomon, B. C., Lehman, D.H., Liu, L., Lang, A.J., & Atkinson, J. H. (2011). A randomized, controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain. Pain, 152, 2098-2107. DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2011.05.016
• Thorsell, J., Finnes, A., Dahl, J., Lundgren, T., Gybrant, M., Gordh, T., & Buhrman, M. (2011). A comparative study of 2 manual-based self-help interventions, acceptance and commitment therapy and applied relaxation, for persons with chronic pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 27, 716-723. DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e318219a933
• Johnston, M., Foster, M., Shennan, J., Starkey, N. J., & Johnson, A. (2010). The effectiveness of an acceptance and commitment therapy self-help intervention for chronic pain. Clinical Journal of Pain, 26, 393-402. DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181cf59ce
• Wicksell, R. K., Melin, L., Lekander, M., & Olsson, G. L. (2009). Evaluating the effectiveness of exposure and acceptance strategies to improve functioning and quality of life in longstanding pediatric pain - A randomized controlled trial. Pain, 141, 248-257. DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2008.11.006
• Wicksell, R. K., Ahlqvist, J., Bring, A., Melin, L. & Olsson, G. L. (2008). Can exposure and acceptance strategies improve functioning and life satisfaction in people with chronic pain and whiplash-associated disorders (WAD)? A randomized controlled trial. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 37, 169-182. DOI: 10.1080/16506070802078970
• Vowles, K. E., McNeil, D. W., Gross, R. T. McDaniel, M. L., Mouse, A., Bates, M., Gallimore, P., & McCall, C. (2007). Effects of pain acceptance and pain control strategies on physical impairment in individuals with chronic low back pain. Behavior Therapy, 38, 412-425. DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2007.02.001
• Dahl, J., Wilson, K. G., & Nilsson, A. (2004). Acceptance and commitment therapy and the treatment of persons at risk for long-term disability resulting from stress and pain symptoms: A preliminary randomized trial. Behavior Therapy, 35, 785-802. DOI: 10.1016/S0005-7894(04)80020-0

Other Publications

• Rovner, G.; Vowles, K.; Gerdle, B. & Gillanders, D. (2015) Latent Class Analysis of the Short and Long-Form of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire- Further Examination of Patient Subgroups. J Pain. 2015 Aug 19. pii: S1526- 5900(15)00810-X. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2015.07.007.
• McCracken, L. M., & Vowles, K. E. (2014). Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness for chronic pain: Model, process, and progress. American Psychologist, 69(2), 178-187.   DOI: 10.1037/a0035623
• Rovner, G. S., Årestedt, K., Gerdle, B., Börsbo, B., & McCracken, L. M. (2014). Psychometric properties of the 8-item Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ-8) in a Swedish Chronic Pain Cohort. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 46(1), 73-80.

Dissertations:

• Thorsell Cederberg, J. (2017) Acceptance for persons suffering from pain. Evaluation of acceptance-based interventions for adults with chronic pain and children with cancer experiencing acute pain. (Dissertation) Uppsala University, Sweden.
• Kemani, M. (2015) Efficacy and Processes of Change in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain. (Dissertation) Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Rovner, G. (2014) Indicators for Behavioral Pain Rehabilitation. Impact and predictive value on assessment, patient selection, treatment and outcome. (Doctoral dissertation) University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Wicksell, R.K. (2009) Exposure and Acceptance in Patients with Chronic Debilitating Pain - A Behavior Therapy Model to Improve Functioning and Quality of Life. (Doctoral Thesis). Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Books

• Rovner, G. (2021) Two chapters in Romanczuk-Seiferth / Burian / Diefenbacher (Eds.) ACT in Klinik Und Tagesklinik: Arbeiten Mit Der Akzeptanz- Und Commitment-Therapie in Multiprofessionellen Teams. (ACT in clinic and day clinic Working with acceptance and commitment therapy in multi-professional teams.) A) ACTiveRehab: ACT for the inter-professional pain rehabilitation team in group settings. B). ACTivePhysio: how to apply the ACT principles as physiotherapist in pain rehabilitation. 
• Dionne, F. & Veillette, J. (2021) Apprivoiser la douleur chronique avec l'ACT: Guide de pratique en 10 modules. Dunod.
• Rovner, G & Skinta, MD., (2017) "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the mindful physiotherapist" in Probst, M. et al (Eds.) Physiotherapy in Mental Health and Psychiatry.  
• Dahl, J., Wilson, K.G., Luciano, C., Hayes, S.C. (2005) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain.
• McCracken, L. M. (2005). Contextual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for chronic pain. Seattle, WA: International Association for the Study of Pain.

Client Workbooks

• Dahl, J. C., & Lundgren, T. L. (2006). Living beyond your pain: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to ease chronic pain. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Videos

• Interdisciplinary ACT for Chronic Pain: A Primer and Skills-Based Workshop (2011) Workshop presented at the ACBS World Conference IX
• Exposure and Acceptance in the Treatment of Chronic Debilitating Pain in Youths (2006) Rikard Wicksell, Ph.D. at the ACBS World Conference II
• A Contextual Cognitive Behavioral Approach to Chronic Pain: 11 Years of Development & Data on Acceptance, Values & Mindfulness (2006) Lance McCracken, Ph.D. at the ACBS World Conference II

Resources for Clinicians

• Chronic pain management in manual therapy (OsteoMAP)

Research Resources Archives

• Chronic Pain Research (1998-2010)

   

PHYSIOTHERAPY RESOURCES

Podcasts (Physiotherapy):

• How To Live An ACTive Life Beyond Pain Combining ACT & PT with Jennifer Battles
• How to Use Acceptance And Commitment Therapy To Treat Post-Surgical Pain And Opioid Use In Veterans with Dr. Lilian Dindo, PhD
• How To Avoid The Trap Of Negative Thinking Using ACT with Dr Kevin Vowles

Publications and Posters (Physiotherapy):

• Galea Holmes, M.N., Wileman, V., Hassan, S., Denning, J., Critchley, D., Norton, S., McCracken, L.M. and Godfrey, E. (2022), Physiotherapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic low back pain: A mixed-methods treatment fidelity evaluation. British Journal of Health Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12583
• Melissa N. Galea Holmes, Vari Wileman, Lance M.McCracken, Duncan Critchley, Marie K. March, Sam Norton, Rona Moss-Morris, Sandra Noonan, Massimo Barcellona, Emma Godfrey (2021). Experiences of training and delivery of Physical therapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (PACT): a longitudinal qualitative study. Physiotherapy, 112,  41-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2020.12.004
• Rovner, G. (2021) Two chapters in Romanczuk-Seiferth / Burian / Diefenbacher (Eds.) ACT in Klinik Und Tagesklinik: Arbeiten Mit Der Akzeptanz- Und Commitment-Therapie in Multiprofessionellen Teams. (ACT in clinic and day clinic Working with acceptance and commitment therapy in multi-professional teams.) A) ACTiveRehab: ACT for the inter-professional pain rehabilitation team in group settings. B). ACTivePhysio: how to apply the ACT principles as physiotherapist in pain rehabilitation. 
• Godfrey, E., Wileman, V,. Holmes, M. G., McCracken, L. M., Norton, S., Moss-Morris, R., Noonan, S., Barcellona, M., & Critchley, D. (2020). Physical therapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (PACT) versus usual care physical therapy for adults with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Pain, 21(1-2), 71-81. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.05.012
• Psychologically Informed Approaches to Pain: 5 solutions for living your best life (Psychology Today Dec 2019)
• Montesinos, F., Páez, M., McCracken, L. M., Rodríguez-Rey, R., Núñez, S., González, C., … Hernando, A. (2019). Communication skills in the context of psychological flexibility: training is associated with changes in responses to chronic pain in physiotherapy students in Spain. British Journal of Pain. https://doi.org/10.1177/2049463719884589
• Critchley, D., McCracken, L., Wileman, Galea Holmes, M., Norton, S. & Godfrey, E. (2019). Physiotherapy informed by acceptance and commitment therapy (PACT) for people with chronic low back pain: A randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy, 105(Supplement 1), e34-e35. DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2018.11.279
• Khoo E, Small R, Cheng W, et al (2019) Comparative evaluation of group-based mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment and management of chronic pain: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Mental Health. 22:26-35.
• Expanding the scope and effectiveness of care for people with persistent pain: Research into process and outcomes from integrated ACT and physical therapy. Poster about OsteoMAP presented at ACBS World Conference 17 (2019).
• Acceptance and Valued behavior change - a case study on a teambased ACT-model treating a young teen with persistant pain. Poster presented at ACBS World Conference 17 (2019).
• Feliu-Soler, A., Montesinos, F., Gutiérrez-Martínez, O., Scott, W., McCracken, L. M., and Luciano, J.V. (2018) Current status of acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain: a narrative review. J Pain Res., 11: 2145–2159. DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S144631
• Hall, A., Richmond, H., Copsey, B., Hansen, Z., Williamson, E., Jones, G., Fordham, B., Cooper, Z.,  & Lamb, S. (2018) Physiotherapist-delivered cognitive-behavioural interventions are effective for low back pain, but can they be replicated in clinical practice? A systematic review, Disability and Rehabilitation, 40:1, 1-9, DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1236155
• Huhn, K. Gilliland, S.J., Black, L.L., Wainwright, S.F., Christensen, N. (2018) Clinical Reasoning in Physical Therapy: A Concept Analysis. Physical Therapy.
• Klevanger, N.E., Fimland, M.S., Johnsen, R., and Rise, M.B. (2018) Unfolding the values of work – therapists´ experience of addressing the return to work process in occupational rehabilitation based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. BMC Health Serv Res, 18: 303.
• Casey, M., Smart, K. Segurado, R., Hearty, C., Gopal, H., Lowry, D., Flanagan, D., McCracken, L., and Doody, C. (2018) Exercise combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ExACT) compared to a supervised exercise programme for adults with chronic pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 19: 194.
• Rose, M.R., Norton, S., Vari, C., Edwards, V., McCracken, L., Graham, C.D., Radunovic, A., and Chalder, T. (2018) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Muscle Disease (ACTMus): protocol for a two-arm randomised controlled trial of a brief guided self-help ACT programme for improving quality of life in people with muscle diseases. BMJ Open, 8(10): e022083. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022083
• Wiklund, T., Linton, S.J., Alföldi,P., and Gerdle, B. (2018) Is sleep disturbance in patients with chronic pain affected by physical exercise or ACT-based stress management? – A randomized controlled study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 19: 111. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2020-z
• Abbey, H.A. (2017) Developing an integrated osteopathy and acceptance-informed pain management course for patients with persistent pain. (Doctoral Dissertation). University of Bedfordshire, UK.
• Rovner, G & Skinta, MD., (2017) "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the mindful physiotherapist" in Probst, M. et al (Eds.) Physiotherapy in Mental Health and Psychiatry. 
• The ACTonHEART study: feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a brief intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a cardiac rehabilitation setting. Poster presented at ACBS World Conference 15 (2017).
• Godfrey, E., Galea Holmes, M., Wileman, V., McCracken, L,. Norton, S., Moss-Morris, R., Pallet, J., Sanders, D., Barcellona, M., and Critchley, D. (2016) Physiotherapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (PACT): protocol for a randomised controlled trial of PACT versus usual physiotherapy care for adults with chronic low back pain. BMJ Open, 6:e011548.
• Ghielen, I., van Wegen, E. E. H., . . . van den Heuvel, O. A. (2017). Body awareness training in the treatment of wearing-off related anxiety in patients with Parkinson's disease: Results from a pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 103, 1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.09.008
• Shayeghian Z, Hassanabadi H, Aguilar-Vafaie ME, Amiri P, Besharat MA (2016) A Randomized Controlled Trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Management: The Moderating Role of Coping Styles. PLoS ONE, 11(12): e0166599. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166599
• Röthlin, P., Birrer, D., Horvath, S., and Grosse Holtforth, M. (2016) Psychological skills training and a mindfulness-based intervention to enhance functional athletic performance: design of a randomized controlled trial using ambulatory assessment. BMC Psychol, 4: 39. DOI: 10.1186/s40359-016-0147-y
• Battles, Jennifer Ashley, (2016) Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT) And Physical Therapy Adherence. Missouri State University Graduate Theses.
• Barker KL, Heelas L, Toye F. (2016) Introducing acceptance and commitment therapy to a physiotherapy-led pain rehabilitation programme: an action research study. Br J Pain,10:22–8.
• Critchley, D.J., McCracken, L.M., Talewar, R., Walker, N., Sanders, D., Godfrey, E. (2015) Physiotherapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for persistent low back pain: The PACT study. Physiotherapy. 101: e277.
• Rovner, G.; Vowles, K.; Gerdle, B. & Gillanders, D. (2015) Latent Class Analysis of the Short and Long-Form of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire- Further Examination of Patient Subgroups. J Pain. 2015 Aug 19. pii: S1526- 5900(15)00810-X. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2015.07.007.
• McGrane, N., Galvin, R., Cusack, T., Stokes, E. (2015) Addition of motivational interventions to exercise and traditional Physiotherapy: a review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy, 101:1. DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2014.04.009
• Rovner, G. (2014) Indicators for Behavioral Pain Rehabilitation. Impact and predictive value on assessment, patient selection, treatment and outcome. (Doctoral dissertation) University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Spatola C.A., Manzoni G.M., Castelnuovo G., Malfatto G., Facchini M., Goodwin C.L., Baruffi M., Molinari E. (2014) The ACTonHEART study: rationale and design of a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing a brief intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to usual secondary prevention care of coronary heart disease. Health Qual Life Outcomes, 12:22. DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-12-22.
• McCracken, L. M., & Vowles, K. E. (2014). Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness for chronic pain: Model, process, and progress. American Psychologist, 69(2), 178-187. DOI: 10.1037/a0035623
• Rovner, G. S., Årestedt, K., Gerdle, B., Börsbo, B., & McCracken, L. M. (2014). Psychometric properties of the 8-item Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ-8) in a Swedish Chronic Pain Cohort. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 46(1), 73-80.
• Rovner, G. S. (2012). Acceptans och mindfulness – ett fysioterapeutiskt förhållningssätt [Acceptance and Mindfulness - a physiotherapeutic approach). In G. Biguet, R. Keskinen-Rosenqvist, & A. Levy Berg (Eds.), Att förstå kroppens budskap : sjukgymnastiska perspektiv [To understa the body’s message: from a physiotherapeutic perspektive] (1. ed., pp. 273-289). Lund: Studentlitteratur. SWEDEN
• Butryn ML, Forman E, Hoffman K, Shaw J, Juarascio A. (2011) A pilot study of acceptance and commitment therapy for promotion of physical activity. J Phys Act Health, 8(4):516-22.