Anvari, M., Ebrahimi, A., Taher Neshatdoost, H., Afshar, H., & Abedi, A. (2014). The Effectiveness of Group-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on pain-related anxiety, acceptance of pain and pain intensity in patients with chronic pain. Journal of Isfahan Medical School (I.U.M.S), 32(295), 1-10.
Background: Chronic pain is one of the most current multi-dimensional problems which its
management requires medical and psychological interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the
effectiveness of group-based acceptance and commitment therapy on pain-related anxiety, acceptance
of pain and pain intensity in patients with chronic pain.
Methods: In a randomized clinical trial study, 30 patients met entry criteria were selected from
medical centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, using purposive
sampling. They were divided randomly into two groups. Research instruments were Chronic Pain
Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), Short Form of Pain-Related Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS-20),
Pain Intensity Scale (PIS) and a demographic questionnaire. Experimental group were treated with
acceptance and commitment therapy during the 8 sessions of 1.5 hours. Follow-up period was two
months after the last treatment session.
Findings: Acceptance and commitment therapy showed a reduction in pain related anxiety and pain
intensity and increase in acceptance of the pain (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Findings indicates the effectiveness of this new behavioral therapy which is probably
more appropriate for Iranian patients because of integrating behavioral therapy methods with eastern
treatment techniques.