Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) showed comparable efficacy, though MBCT had slightly larger effect sizes on subjective quality of life, while CBT improved sleep-related variables (quantity, optimum, and adequate sleep). A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures before and after the test (n = 57 for MBCT, n = 105 for a previous CBT cohort) was used.
Chronic pain affects 15% of the Spanish population. A quasi-experimental study with 57 patients at three hospitals in Alicante evaluated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for chronic pain. Self-reported measures assessed pain intensity, anxiety-depression, health status, sleep interference, self-efficacy, acceptance, and mindfulness. Significant improvements with medium effect sizes were found for present pain intensity, mental quality of life, depression, and self-efficacy (total score, symptom management, pain control). Large effect sizes were observed for sleep disturbances and sleep quantity. MBCT reduces many symptoms in chronic pain patients, though long-term maintenance requires further study.