Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain and Depression in Women
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain and Depression in Women
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Issue Date
2024-11-01
Authors
Campbell, Suzanna
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Abstract
Chronic pain and depression are closely linked, with the experience of persistent physical discomfort leading to emotional distress, and in turn, depression worsening the perception of pain. Women are more likely to experience both chronic pain and depression in comparison to men, and their experience can be significantly more complex based on a combination of biological, social, and societal factors. The cycle between pain and mood often creates a situation where each reinforces the other, making treatment options particularly challenging to navigate. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has emerged as a promising treatment modality for women suffering from chronic pain-related depression. This approach encourages women to change their relationship to their pain, rather than attempting to avoid or control it, and to commit to actions that align with their values, even in the presence of discomfort. By increasing psychological flexibility, ACT can help women break free from the cycle of pain and emotional distress, ultimately reducing the severity of depression. This capstone project will explore the efficacy of ACT in managing chronic pain-related depression in women, highlighting its unique interventions and therapeutic outcomes.
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Keywords
chronic pain , depression , acceptance and commitment therapy