This study evaluated the efficacy of an 8-week structured group treatment for the management
of chronic pain by randomly assigning 39 clients to the group treatment or wait list. The primarily
female clients ranged in age from 22 to 90 and had suffered chronic pain for an average of 14
years. Chronic pain complaints were varied, including low-back pain, headaches, degenerative
arthritis, and peripheral neuropathy. Clients in treatment improved significantly in the areas of
physical and psychosocial dysfunction and negative mood states. Severity of pain was not
significantly reduced by treatment. Treatment gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. An
interesting finding was that older adults did as well, and at times even better, than younger
subjects. This treatment provides a way for individuals to improve and maintain their coping
skills in spite of medical disability and pain.
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