A Mindfulness Program Adapted for Adolescents With Chronic Pain
Danielle A. Ruskin, Michelle M. Gagnon, Sara A. Kohut, Jennifer N. Stinson, Kathryn Walker
The Clinical Journal of Pain November 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000490 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Prospective pre-post interventional study Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 21 |
| Population | Adolescents with chronic pain in a tertiary care clinic |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | The adapted mindfulness-based intervention was feasible and acceptable, with improvements in pain acceptance at 3-month follow-up. |
Abstract
Objectives: Pediatric chronic pain is a major health issue that can lead to significant interference in daily functioning. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI’s), which emphasize acceptance rather than control of pain, have gained increasing attention as a viable treatment option among adults with chronic pain. The effectiveness of MBIs for chronic pain in pediatric populations remains largely unknown. This prospective pre-post interventional study was conducted to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness of an 8-week group MBI adapted for adolescents (MBI-A) with chronic pain.
Materials and Methods: Self-report measures assessing pain characteristics, anxiety, depression, disability, pain catastrophizing, perceived social support, mindfulness, and pain acceptance were administered at baseline, postintervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. In addition, session data were collected to assess each session’s impact on patients’ coping with pain and stress, body awareness, and sense of feeling less alone.
Results: In total, 42 consecutive patients in a tertiary care chronic pain clinic met eligibility criteria to participate in the MBI-A group. Of these, 21 participated. A treatment completion rate of 90.5% was observed. Between session mindfulness practice was reported by 77% of participants. Participants were highly satisfied with the MBI-A and all participants reported they would recommend the group to a friend. Improvements in pain acceptance were observed between baseline and the 3-month follow-up, in domains of Pain Willingness and Activity Engagement. Session data revealed improved body awareness and improved ability to cope with stress across sessions.
Discussion: The MBI-A is a feasible, well-received intervention for adolescents with chronic pain conditions. Findings support the need for further investigation of the efficacy of MBI-A through randomized-controlled trials.