A self-directed program to help manage pain by reducing negative thoughts about it

Pain Disengagement Training: A self-directed intervention for pain catastrophizing

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11051196

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11051196 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain who experience pain catastrophizing.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not experience pain catastrophizing may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.