MOBACT: An Internet-Based Guided Self-Help Intervention Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain

Status: Recruiting
Location: See all (4) locations...
Intervention Type: Other
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

Chronic Pain (CP) is a condition characterized by pain that lasts or recurs for more than three months in one or more parts of the body. This type of pain is often accompanied by emotional distress and difficulties in daily functioning, which can interfere with a person's ability to carry out everyday activities and maintain social roles. As a result, it places a considerable burden not only on individuals but also on national healthcare systems, due to both direct medical costs and indirect costs such as reduced work productivity and increased use of health services. Traditional treatments for CP, such as medications and surgical procedures, often fail to provide sufficient relief or significantly improve the quality of life of those affected. This has led to growing interest in alternative approaches that can offer more lasting and comprehensive support. In this context, psychological therapies have gained increasing attention, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT. This therapeutic approach focuses not only on the reduction of physical symptoms but also on helping people accept their pain as part of their lived experience. The goal is to promote emotional well-being and improve overall functioning by increasing what is known as psychological flexibility. ACT is particularly relevant for people suffering from CP, as it helps them lead a meaningful life despite the presence of pain. Instead of avoiding or fighting the pain, individuals are encouraged to accept it while committing to actions that align with their personal values. This process supports emotional regulation and encourages engagement in activities that bring a sense of purpose and satisfaction. However, access to this type of psychological intervention remains limited in many contexts. Barriers such as long waiting lists, lack of trained professionals, geographic distance from treatment centers, stigma associated with psychological therapy, and patients' physical limitations often make it difficult for those in need to receive adequate care. In response to these challenges, recent years have seen the development of new forms of digital health support. In particular, internet-delivered self-help programs have emerged as a promising solution for the treatment of CP. These programs can reach individuals who might otherwise be unable to access care and offer a flexible, low-cost, and convenient alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy. Research has shown that ACT can be effectively adapted and delivered online, allowing people to benefit from its therapeutic principles in a format that fits their needs and lifestyles. The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a guided online self-help program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for individuals with CP. The program is designed to help participants accept their pain and focus on improving their quality of life through value-based actions. The study will also explore the psychological mechanisms that may explain how and why the intervention works, with the goal of improving the design and delivery of future programs. Furthermore, the study will examine the cost-effectiveness of this type of digital intervention, in order to assess its potential for broader implementation within public health systems. By increasing access to evidence-based psychological care through digital platforms, this research seeks to contribute to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable treatment options for those living with chronic pain.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Adults aged 18 years or older;

• A verifiable medical diagnosis of Chronic Pain (duration ≥ 3 months);

• Internet access;

• Sufficient computer and internet literacy;

• Fluent knowledge of the Italian language.

Locations
Other Locations
Italy
Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna
RECRUITING
Bologna
Catholic University of Sacred Heart
RECRUITING
Milan
University of Verona
RECRUITING
Verona
Sweden
University of Linkoping
RECRUITING
Linköping
Contact Information
Primary
Michelle Semonella
michelle.semonella@unicatt.it
+972559876070
Backup
Giada Pietrabissa
giada.pietrabissa@unicatt.it
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-04-15
Estimated Completion Date: 2026-04-30
Participants
Target number of participants: 140
Treatments
Experimental: 7-weeks Internet-based interventions
Participants allocated to the experimental group will be asked to complete one module per week, each based on the core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The treatment program consists of seven modules delivered weekly over a total duration of seven weeks. The content of the modules will cover the following topics:~1. Creative hopelessness~2. Willingness and acceptance of pain~3. Defusion from negative thoughts~4. Committed action and values~5. Values and goal setting~6. Willingness exercises~7. Maintenance of learned strategies.
No_intervention: 7-Weeks Waiting list
Participants allocated to the waiting list control group will not receive the intervention during the initial seven-week study period. However, they will be granted full access to the treatment program after the seven weeks have elapsed.
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
Collaborators: Linkoeping University, IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, Italy, Università degli studi di Verona

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov