Mindfulness Based Pain Management (MBPM) for Chronic Pain: Long-Term Effects

Abstract This study aims to examine the long-term effects of a Mindfulness-Based Pain Management (MBPM) program on chronic pain in terms of pain intensity, psychopathology, negative thoughts, and quality of life. Additionally, the study aims to explore the impact that various pre- and post-treatment variables have on physical quality of life at 12 months. A longitudinal clinical study was conducted with a sample of 65 patients with non-oncological chronic pain. Assessments were conducted at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Various measures were used to assess pain, acceptance, psychopathological symptoms, negative thoughts and quality of life. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, one-way repeated measures ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis. Participants who completed the MBPM program showed significant improvements in pain intensity, pain acceptance, psychopathological symptoms, negative thoughts related to pain, and physical quality of life at post-treatment. These improvements were largely maintained at the 12-month follow-up. The pre-treatment variables that contribute to better quality of life are lower pain intensity and fewer negative thoughts, while the post-treatment variables are lower pain intensity and greater acceptance. It can be concluded that the MBPM program showed positive and lasting effects in patients with chronic pain. Exploring the long-term effects and variables involved in maintaining results are important areas for future research in the field of mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pain.