This study is being done to compare the effectiveness of three different psychological therapies in reducing chronic back and neck pain and improving daily functioning. Researchers want to understand how these therapies work, what changes occur in people receiving them, and which individuals benefit the most. By identifying the most effective approaches, the study aims to improve non-medication treatment options for chronic spinal pain.

You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

• Are 18 years or older
• Live in the United States
• Have had chronic pain for at least 3 months
• Are interested in psychological therapy to help with pain or daily functioning
• Are willing to be randomly assigned to one of several psychological therapies or to a no-therapy control condition
• Are able to use Zoom for therapy sessions
• Are generally healthy (do not have diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS, bowel disease, cancer, epilepsy, liver disease, or alcohol/drug dependence)
• Are not recently or currently applying for disability or workman’s compensation for the pain

• Screening & Enrollment:

  • Complete a short online screener (about 5 minutes).
  • If eligible, schedule a 45-minute Zoom call with a research assistant to confirm eligibility and learn more.
  • If you choose to join, complete an initial 1-hour online survey.

• Random Assignment:

  • You will be randomly assigned to one of four study arms:

    • Three study arms will receive one of three psychological therapies (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy).

    • One study arm will continue with their usual healthcare without additional therapy.

• Therapy Sessions (If Assigned to Therapy):

  • Meet with a psychologist via Zoom for eight 1-hour weekly sessions over a 10-week period.

• Online Surveys:

  • Complete surveys before therapy, after each session (or every week for 7 weeks if in the condition not receiving therapy), at the end of the 8-week therapy period, and again 6 months later.

• Study Completion:

  • After the final survey at 6 months, your participation in the study will be complete.
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Yes, participants can earn up to $325 for completing all surveys. Payment is provided through Tango, a digital gift card service.

• Baseline survey (before randomization): $50

• 7 weekly surveys: $25 each, up to $175 total

• Week 8 survey: $50

• 6-month follow-up survey: $50

You will be compensated for each survey you complete, but if a survey is missed, that portion of the payment will not be provided. Therapy sessions are free for participants.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.