Evaluation of the breathworks mindfulness‐based pain management programme: effects on well‐being and multiple measures of mindfulness

Two studies assessed the Breathworks mindfulness-based pain management programme. In the first pilot study, participants in the intervention group reported significant improvements in depression, outlook, catastrophizing, and pain self-efficacy, with particularly large effects for pain acceptance, while a comparison group showed no change. The second study found that scores on the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale increased significantly in the intervention group but not in the comparison group; no change occurred on a sustained attention measure. An Implicit Association Test suggested increased awareness of positive stimuli after the programme. The findings support the programme's short-term efficacy and the role of acceptance in chronic pain.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Two studies of a mindfulness training programme are presented. Study 1 reports on a pilot investigation of the impact on well‐being of the Breathworks mindfulness‐based pain management programme. Significant positive change was found on self‐report measures of depression, outlook, catastrophizing and pain self‐efficacy in the Intervention Group, but not the Comparison Group. Particularly large effects were found for pain acceptance. These results support the short‐term efficacy of the Breathworks programme and reinforce the importance of acceptance for positive outcome with chronic pain patients. Study 2 investigated alterations in mindfulness following participation in the Breathworks programme. Subjective and non‐subjective measures of mindfulness were used. Scores on the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were significantly higher at Time 2 in the Intervention Group, but not in the Comparison Group. There was no change on a measure of sustained attention. Results from an Implicit Association Test provided some support for an increased awareness of positive stimuli, following the intervention. These results are discussed with reference to the mechanisms of mindfulness. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message: Evidence supporting the efficacy of Breathworks for well‐being. Mindful Attention Awareness Scale scores improved following mindfulness training. Mindfulness may increase awareness of pleasant affect. No change found on a measure of attention.