Qualitative findings from a randomized trial of mindfulness-based and cognitive-behavioral group therapy for opioid-treated chronic low back pain
David Horton, David K. Woods, Eric L Garland, Robert R Edwards, Bruce P. Barrett, Aleksandra Zgierska
Journal of Health Psychology April 28, 2024 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241247710 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study nested within a randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 108 |
| Population | Individuals with chronic low back pain who had participated in a randomized controlled trial of group therapy |
| Interventions | Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) Mindfulness-based group therapy (MBT) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention; qualitative interviews approximately 10 months post-treatment |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Most participants (88 of 108, 81.5%) across both the cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based groups reflected positively on the treatment and its outcomes, reporting benefits in pain management (31.5%), meditation and mindfulness skills (25.9%), and relaxation skills (22.2%). The authors report that perceived benefits varied widely and suggest no single intervention may be ideal for chronic low back pain, proposing that future research examine tailoring interventions to diverse clinical presentations. |
Abstract
This article reports qualitative outcomes from a randomized controlled trial comparing eight weeks of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) and mindfulness-based group therapy (MBT) in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Approximately 10 months post-treatment, 108 participants completed structured qualitative interviews to express how the study treatment affected their life or health. Responses were qualitatively analyzed to generate a set of themes and subthemes, with between-groups comparisons to evaluate differences (if any) in treatment-response between MBT and CBT-CP. A majority of participants (n = 88, 81.5%) across both groups reflected positively on the study intervention and outcomes, identifying benefits in pain management (31.5%), meditation and mindfulness skills (25.9%), and relaxation skills (22.2%). Perceived benefits varied widely, suggesting no one intervention may be ideal for CLBP. Future research should examine tailoring interventions to target diverse clinical presentations to achieve optimal outcomes.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 7
- Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement vs Supportive Group Therapy for Co-occurring Opioid Misuse and Chronic Pain in Primary Care JAMA Internal Medicine February 28, 2022
- A qualitative comparison of mindfulness meditation, cognitive therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for chronic low back pain. Rehabilitation psychology August 2021
- Mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement reduces opioid misuse risk via analgesic and positive psychological mechanisms: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology October 1, 2019
- Mindfulness for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Analysis Pain Medicine November 1, 2018
- Effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on pain and quality of life of patients with chronic low back pain. International Journal of Yoga 2015
and 2 more in the library