Individualised Investigation of an Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain

Researchers are looking for adults with chronic pain to participate in the study and complete an Internet-based psychological intervention. Participants get permanent access to the intervention.

Title of study:

 Individualised Investigation of an Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain

This study, led by researchers from Middlesex University and collaborating institutions, is looking at how people with chronic pain respond to a type of online psychological support called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is designed to help people live better with pain by teaching skills for managing difficult thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. While ACT has helped many people, it does not work the same for everyone. This research hopes to understand how and why people respond differently to ACT, especially when it is delivered online. If you take part, you will be one of a small group (around 5–8 people) who have been invited based on having chronic or ongoing pain for more than three months, being over 18, and having access to a smartphone. People who are already receiving psychotherapy, or who face challenges such as certain medical or psychiatric conditions, would not be eligible.

If you choose to take part, you will be guided through a five-week online ACT program, supported by a clinical health psychologist. You will complete eight modules made up of audio recordings and worksheets that teach pain management skills. Each week, the time commitment varies, usually between 30 and 120 minutes, depending on the content. You will also receive support every one to two weeks from a psychologist by email or phone, to help you stay on track. In addition to the modules, you will be asked to fill out a few questionnaires online before the program starts, right after it ends, and again six months later. These will take about 20 minutes each time. You will also be asked to complete short daily questions through an app—before, during, and again six months after the program—to track your pain, mood, and other related experiences. These only take a few minutes each day. The study will last around eight months in total. Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point.

Your privacy and data will be protected, and your personal information will be handled according to UK data protection laws. While there is no guarantee the therapy will help you personally, your involvement could support future improvements in treatments for people living with chronic pain. By taking part, you will not only get permanent access to online psychological intervention for chronic pain but also contribute to important research that can improve pain management strategies for others.

The online format of the therapy is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing you to complete the modules at your own pace within each week. The content focuses on helping you clarify what matters most in your life, and how to take meaningful steps toward those values—even while living with pain. You will learn skills to manage painful thoughts and feelings more effectively, rather than trying to fight or avoid them. This may include mindfulness exercises, goal-setting, and practicing new ways of responding to your pain and emotional challenges. The psychologist supporting you will not provide traditional therapy but will guide and encourage you as you move through the program. While some of the questions or exercises might bring up difficult emotions, you can skip anything that feels too uncomfortable, and you will always have the option to reach out for additional support or resources.

The researchers will use the information gathered to better understand how this type of therapy works, and how to personalise it in the future so more people with chronic pain can benefit from similar programs. For expression of interest feel free to contact: Dr. Kitty Kioskli – kitty.kioskli@trustilio.com

Interested?

To find out more and participate, click here  or scan the QR code in the poster below.