A self-directed program to help manage pain by reducing negative thoughts about it
Official title: Pain Disengagement Training: A self-directed intervention for pain catastrophizing
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11051196 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called Pain Disengagement Training to help people with chronic muscle and joint pain learn to manage their negative thoughts about pain, and we want to hear from participants about their experiences to make it even better!
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $170,522 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AT012789-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051196 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain who experience pain catastrophizing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not experience pain catastrophizing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a self-directed intervention called Pain Disengagement Training (PDT) aimed at helping individuals cope with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The program is designed to address pain catastrophizing, which involves negative thought patterns that can worsen pain experiences. Through qualitative focus groups and pilot testing, the research will gather patient feedback to refine the intervention and assess its feasibility and acceptability. Participants will engage in self-report assessments and interviews to share their experiences with the program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with an effective, self-managed tool to reduce pain-related distress and improve their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in self-directed interventions for pain management, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdermott, Katherine — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mcdermott, Katherine
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.