Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and University Honors

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Tina Burdsall

Subjects

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Chronic pain -- Alternative treatment, Meditation -- Therapeutic use, Chronic pain -- Psychological aspects, Pain -- Treatment

DOI

10.15760/honors.346

Abstract

This thesis discusses the possibility of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as an alternative therapy for chronic pain in contrast to traditional medical care. It examines 18 peer-reviewed scholarly articles and identifies benefits for chronic pain patients in terms of pain severity, quality of life, psychological distress, and duration of benefits. This thesis also identifies practical benefits of MBSR such as cost, implementation, no negative side effects, and the creation of life-long skills to be used after treatment has ended. In conclusion, there is a significant gap in the current academic literature pertaining to chronic pain patients who are minorities, men, or of lower socioeconomic status (SES). Future studies are needed to address individuals of lower SES to provide MBSR to all populations equally.

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/18745

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