Background & Aims
Pain perception can be influenced by the control or direction of attention (Van Damme et al., 2010), i.e. through attentional distraction tasks or (sensory) pain-focus exercises (Keogh, et al., 2000). The Mindfulness-Interoceptive Exposure Task (MIET) is a brief exercise that directs attention to four interoceptive components while cultivating a non-identifying open attitude (Cayoun et al., 2020). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of MIET in reducing experimental cold pain in a healthy sample.
Methods
166 individuals (71% female, age M = 24.0, SD = 7.0 years) were randomly assigned to one of two pain-regulating conditions (MIET: n = 54, Distraction: n = 59) or a passive control condition (n = 53). The Cold Pressor Test (CPT, 5°C) was performed twice, with a pain regulation task during CPT-2. Trait variables related to pain perception or regulation (e.g., pain-related fear [FPQ-III] and catastrophizing [PCS], mindfulness skills [FFMQ]) were assessed.
Results
Both MIET and Distraction significantly improved cold pain tolerance and reduced subjective pain intensity and aversiveness compared to the control group. When considering individual’s baseline pain and adjusting the regulation effect for pure pain habituation, MIET showed a significant advantage in improving pain tolerance compared to distraction.
In investigating predictors of successful pain regulation, MIET was more effective in individuals with higher initial levels of (mindful) acceptance, particularly for pain tolerance and aversiveness. Additionally, individuals with lower levels of conscious focus on the present moment and non-reactivity to internal events benefited more from MIET. On the other hand, initial pain-related fear appeared to limit the effective application of MIET.
Conclusions
The study complements previous findings (Cayoun et al., 2020; Shires et al., 2019) on the effectiveness of MIET in pain reduction in a general sample using a controlled design. MIET demonstrates clear advantages in successful pain regulation, particularly with regard to pain tolerance, and thus could improve or complement individuals’ pain regulatory abilities. The specific benefits of MIET are also evident in its quick and easy to learn implementation, high acceptance of application, and its direct effectiveness in pain reduction.
References
Cayoun, B., Simmons, A., & Shires, A. (2020). Immediate and lasting chronic pain reduction following a brief self-implemented mindfulness-based interoceptive exposure task: a pilot study. Mindfulness, 11(1), 112-124. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0823-x
Keogh, E., Hatton, K., & Ellery, D. (2000). Avoidance versus focused attention and the perception of pain: differential effects for men and women. Pain, 85(1-2), 225-230. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3959(99)00270-5
Shires, A., Sharpe, L., & Newton John, T. R. (2019). The relative efficacy of mindfulness versus distraction: the moderating role of attentional bias. European Journal of Pain, 23(4), 727-738. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1340
Van Damme, S., Legrain, V., Vogt, J., & Crombez, G. (2010). Keeping pain in mind: a motivational account of attention to pain. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 34(2), 204-213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.01.005
Presenting Author
Corinna Baum
Poster Authors
Topics
- Treatment/Management: Complementary and Alternative therapies