Positive mindfulness for people experiencing chronic pain

Objectives: This study aimed to test the impact of an internet-delivered Mindfulness-Based Flourishing program (MBF) on subjective wellbeing in a sample of adults with chronic pain.

Materials and methods: Fifty-seven adults who experienced chronic pain were randomly assigned to either the MBF or to a waitlist control condition. Outcomes measures were taken via an online survey before and after the four-week intervention, and after a further four weeks. A complete case analysis approach was used, which included 30 of the original sample.

Results: The MBF led to increases in subjective wellbeing and mindfulness that reached significance by follow-up, and increased health quality of life at both time points compared to controls. Effect sizes were medium to large. A reduction in pain catastrophising was also seen in the MBF group over time. Widespread pain and symptom severity did not change significantly compared to controls. Significant correlations were observed between subjective wellbeing, health quality of life and all other variables at baseline.

Discussion: Despite being underpowered, the study showed promise for the MBF to be used as an intervention for improving wellbeing in chronic pain. Replication is necessary to strengthen the evidence, and future studies could investigate the mechanisms of change.