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The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain Management: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has emerged as a promising intervention for chronic pain management, focusing on enhancing psychological flexibility and promoting values-based living in individuals with chronic pain conditions. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of ACT in reducing pain severity and improving overall functioning in individuals with chronic pain. Through an extensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of ACT compared to control conditions (e.g., treatment as usual, waitlist, other psychotherapies) in targeting chronic pain symptoms, including pain intensity, pain interference, physical functioning, and emotional distress. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, therapist experience, treatment format (individual vs. group), and participant characteristics (e.g., pain duration, pain etiology), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of ACT for chronic pain management.
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References
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