Mindfulness therapy for older Black adults with chronic pain and depression

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for the chronic pain-depression co-morbidity among older Blacks in the community; The Quiet Focus study

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10883665

This study is creating a special version of a mindfulness program to help older Black adults who are dealing with both chronic pain and depression, making sure it fits their cultural experiences and needs.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10883665 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a culturally adapted version of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) specifically for older Black adults who experience both chronic pain and depression. The approach aims to address the unique barriers faced by this community, such as systemic racism and lack of tailored care, by creating a program that resonates with their cultural experiences. Participants will engage in a modified version of MBCT, which has shown promise in improving emotional and physical well-being. The study will involve community input to ensure the intervention is relevant and accessible.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older Black adults suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain and co-occurring depression.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black or who do not experience chronic pain or depression may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older Black adults with effective tools to manage chronic pain and depression, leading to improved quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that culturally adapted interventions can be effective in improving health outcomes in underserved populations, suggesting a promising avenue for this 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.