Background: Chronic pain has emerged as a significant public health priority. Despite its associated burden, it is recognized that individuals differ in their experience of and ability to cope with pain. While some are adversely impacted, others maintain adaptive psychological functioning even in the context of severe pain, suggesting a high degree of resilience in this population. However, limited research has considered the role of positive, psychological resources in promoting pain resilience and therapeutic strategies that focus on strengths and personal resources in chronic pain have been understudied.
Hypotheses/Research Questions: The purpose of the Stage I pilot study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention aimed at enhancing psychological resilience among older adults with chronic low back pain (cLBP).
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size: Participants included 50 community-dwelling older adults, ages 60+ years, with back pain rated (at minimum) of moderate severity (≥3/10) and having a significant impact on daily activities.
Design: This single-arm trial included 7 weekly online group sessions (1.5 hours each) targeting positive psychology concepts (i.e., positive affect, gratitude, pain acceptance, hopeful thinking, pain self-efficacy) and techniques (e.g., mindfulness) that have established benefits in pain management.
Results: Preliminary findings demonstrate high attendance (M=6.7/7 sessions) and credibility (M=7.0/10, SD=1.9) of the intervention. Participants were highly engaged in treatment (M=6.4/8, SD=0.88) and found the weekly session content to be beneficial and useful (M=3.2/4, SD=0.38). Further, global treatment satisfaction was high (M=3.3/4, SD=0.46), signifying participants’ willingness to recommend the intervention and general satisfaction with the program.
Scientific Contribution: Findings support the initial feasibility of a resilience intervention for older adults with cLBP, with participants finding the program to be an engaging and acceptable treatment. A larger randomized-controlled trial to establish treatment efficacy is warranted and may be a step toward the advancement of therapeutic pain modalities.