Overview

Researchers at Florida State University are investigating how the length of treatment influences outcomes for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The goal is to identify the most effective balance between treatment duration and pain relief. There are three treatment conditions in this study: two different brief pain management trainings and one standard-length training. Participants will be randomized to either of the brief trainings, attending a single, 2-hour, online training session, in which a trained facilitator will teach pain management techniques that are backed by research. If randomized to receive the standard-length training, participants will attend eight, 2-hour, online training session over eight weeks, in which a trained facilitator will also teach research-backed pain management techniques. Short surveys will be required at seven different time points: before starting treatment, immediately after the pain-management training, and then 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36 weeks after the training.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) having a chronic musculoskeletal pain condition, (2) average pain of ≥ 3 in the previous week, (3) willingness to engage with study assessments and interventions, (4) understanding English instructions fluently, and (5) being 18 and above.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) unable to consent because of physical or mental incapacity, (2) have previous, formal mindfulness training (e.g., MBSR) or previously receiving Empowered Relief, (3) have pain from a current cancer diagnosis or cancer-related treatment, (4) unstable illness that may interfere with treatment, (5) had surgery within the previous three months, and (6) had pain relieving injections, such as cortisone or hyaluronate, within the previous three months.