Two-week gratitude journaling for temporomandibular (jaw) pain and overlapping chronic pain.
Examining the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Journaling Intervention in Alleviating Temporomandibular Pain
NA · University of Florida · NCT06977100
This study will see if two weeks of gratitude journaling helps adults with TMD and other chronic overlapping pain feel less pain and have less disruption in daily life.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06977100 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study tests a two-week gratitude journaling activity compared with a general wellness journaling activity in adults with TMD and at least one other chronic overlapping pain condition. The primary aims are to determine whether participants can complete the two-week activity as planned (feasibility) and whether they find it acceptable. Participants attend two in-person visits at the study site to complete questionnaires and undergo pressure and heat sensitivity testing, and they complete the assigned journaling activity for two weeks. Secondary analyses explore whether gratitude journaling leads to reduced pain intensity and pain interference compared with general wellness journaling.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with jaw/temple region pain for at least 3 months, an average pain score of ≥4 in the past week, and at least one additional chronic overlapping pain condition who can read and write English are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with prior TMD surgery, cancer-related pain, recent injury to the TMD area, scheduled surgeries during the study, current conflicting psychological treatment, pregnancy or lactation, or very low pain levels are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost journaling approach could reduce pain and daily interference and offer an accessible self-management tool for people with TMD and overlapping chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Some small studies of gratitude journaling have shown improvements in mood and wellbeing, but evidence for direct pain reduction in TMD and overlapping chronic pain is limited, making this application relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * participants between the ages of 18 and 80 * pain in the temporomandibular (TMD) region (jaw and/or temple area) * duration of pain is at least 3 months * average pain score ≥4 on a 0-10 numerical rating scale over the past week * have at least one additional chronic overlapping pain condition (COPC) including fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine-type headache, tension-type headache, low back pain, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome or chronic prostatitis, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, vulvodynia, and painful endometriosis. * able to read, understand, and write in English. Exclusion Criteria: * history of TMD surgery * neoplasm or injury/trauma to the TMD area * cancer-related pain * scheduled for any surgeries during the study time-frame * current participation in another clinical trial or psychological treatment for any pain-related condition that would interfere with study outcomes * pregnant or lactating * severe motor impairments (e.g., muscular dystrophy) * severe psychiatric conditions (e.g., uncontrolled mood disorders) * severe neurological or cognitive impairments (e.g., uncontrolled Parkinson's disease) * any other conditions that in the opinion of study investigators could make participation in the study unsafe * use of opioids within 48 hours prior to laboratory visit
Where this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Melissa Makhoul, PhD, MSN, RN
- Email: melissamakhoul@ufl.edu
- Phone: 352-246-3153
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Temporomandibular Disorders, Temporomandibular Disorder, Gratitude Journaling, Resilience, Pain Intensity, Pain Interference, Chronic Pain