NCT06870162 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Pain Disengagement Training (Open Pilot)
What this study is about
The investigators aim to conduct an open pilot trial to determine the initial feasibility of a self-directed writing-based intervention in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain and elevated pain catastrophizing.
View original scientific description
The investigators aim to conduct an open pilot trial to determine the initial feasibility of a self-directed writing-based intervention in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain and elevated pain catastrophizing. The investigators will assess the feasibility of recruitment, acceptability of the treatment, credibility and participant satisfaction, treatment adherence, and feasibility of assessments following pre-specified benchmarks.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Pain Disengagement Training
The intervention involves approximately 8 sessions. The first session will involve a psychoeducation component describing the association between negative emotions and pain and the rationale for the intervention strategies. The intervention sessions will consist of approximately 30 minutes of writing alternating between imaginal exposure writing and positive writing periods alternating back and forth (e.g., 3-5 minutes of imaginal exposure writing followed by 3-5 minutes of positive writing before returning to imaginal exposure writing, etc.). Exposure writing will involve writing about a pain-related catastrophic worry repeatedly until it becomes less anxiety-provoking. The positive writing topics will change with each prompt and will be structured by session theme (e.g., values/goals, meaningful activities). They will also complete between session practice by setting aside a time for worrying and then completing a meaningful activity.
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of recruitment
Time frame: Baseline, post-test (6 weeks)
\>70% participants approached agree to participate in the intervention
Acceptability of treatment
Time frame: Baseline, post-test (6 weeks)
\>70% of participants attend at least 6 out of 8 sessions
Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline
Measures perception that the treatment is credible and will offer improvements. Credibility (4 items) is rated from 1-9 with higher scores indicating more credibility. Expectancy is rated from 0-10 with higher scores indicating greater expectancy of improvement.
Client Satisfaction Questionnaire
Time frame: Post-test (6 weeks)
Measure of client satisfaction with a program or intervention. 8-item scale measured from 1 to 4 with greater scores indicating greater satisfaction.
Adherence to intervention
Time frame: Mid-intervention
Percent of writing sections demonstrate correct themes (e.g., anxiety words in imaginal exposure writing)
Feasibility of assessments
Time frame: Baseline, post-test (6 weeks)
\>70% of participants have no measures fully missing
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Outpatient adults (i.e., greater than or equal to 18)
- Has self reported chronic musculoskeletal pain (i.e., pain persisting for at least 3 months)
- Pain score greater than or equal to 4 (moderate) on the Numerical Rating Scale
- Pain catastrophizing score greater than or equal to 20 on Pain Catastrophizing Scale
- Willingness to engage in a writing-based intervention and self-reported ability to write or type for at least 30 minutes in a sitting
- Received care at Massachusetts General Hospital
- English verbal and writing fluency
Exclusion criteria
- Clinically significant change in therapy or medication in the past 3 months
- Severe untreated mental health condition (e.g., psychosis)
- Active suicidality with history of plan or current intent
- Serious illness expected to worsen in the next 6 months (e.g., cancer)
- Untreated substance use problem that, per patient's self-report, would interfere with the ability to complete the intervention.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Collaborators
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 21, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations