Exploring the Efficacy of Pain Acceptance Training in Addressing Somatic Symptoms in Mental Health

Somatic symptoms, such as physical pain, are very common among individuals struggling with mental health difficulties. Yet, current treatments often fall short in addressing these symptoms, partly because patients may struggle to recognize and express their emotional experiences. Our study introduces a novel intervention called Pain Acceptance Training, which draws on principles of dialectical thinking. Specifically, it encourages individuals to hold a dual perspective: acknowledging both the desire to end the pain and the ability to accept it as it is. This project aims to examine (1) the efficacy of pain acceptance training to alleviate somatic pain in patients suffering from somatic symptoms; (2) the role of dialectical thinking as a mediator of pain acceptance training efficacy. Our intervention consists of two assessment sessions. In the first session, participants undergo a comprehensive baseline assessment that includes self-report questionnaires, computerized task and short pain evaluation. Then, participants are introduced to the pain acceptance strategy and learn how to apply it to deal with their pain and somatic symptoms. Over the next two weeks, participants practice the strategy in their daily lives, and two weeks later, return for a final assessment session.