Effectiveness of ACT Therapy Using a Digital Workbook on Intensity of Pain and Pain Acceptance in Patients with Chronic Pain Disorder
Keywords:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Digital Workbook, Chronic Pain, Pain Intensity, Pain Acceptance, Randomized Controlled TrialAbstract
Chronic pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has proven effective in managing chronic pain, but access to face-to-face therapy remains limited. This study investigated the effectiveness of ACT delivered via digital workbooks on pain intensity and pain acceptance in patients with chronic pain disorders. This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with two groups. The sample consisted of 62 participants (30 in the experimental group and 32 in the control group) recruited from mental health clinics in Tehran. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which received a 10-week ACT intervention via digital workbooks, or the control group, which received routine medical care. Data were collected using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity and the Persian version of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). Data were analyzed using Mixed Analysis of Variance (Mixed ANOVA) with SPSS software (version 26). The results indicated a significant reduction in pain intensity and a significant increase in pain acceptance in the experimental group from pre-test to post-test, with these effects maintained at the three-month follow-up. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group. The Mixed ANOVA revealed significant interaction effects between time and group for both pain intensity (F (1.85,112.85) = 38.90, p<0.001, ɳ2 = 0.39) and pain acceptance (F (1.92,117.12) = 48.75, p<0.001, ɳ2 = 0. 45). The findings suggest that ACT delivered via digital workbooks is an effective intervention for reducing pain intensity and enhancing pain acceptance in patients with chronic pain. This digital format offers a scalable, accessible, and cost-effective alternative to traditional therapy, potentially improving outcomes for individuals with chronic pain disorders. Future research should explore long-term effects and compare digital ACT with other therapeutic modalities.
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