Positive Affect and Activities in the Treatment of Persistent Pain

Video Runtime: 41 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 24 Minutes

Considerable research has historically addressed the impact of negative cognitions and emotions on the persistent pain experience. The adverse roles of catastrophic thinking, fear, anxiety, and depression, as well as the interventions directed at reducing these negative factors, have been extensively examined. More recently, pioneering research is examining the role of positive affect and positive activity interventions on the experience of persistent pain. Evidence is accumulating that documents how positive activity treatment strategies reduce pain, increase positive affect, and promote well-being in individuals with persistent pain. This course introduces current research and positive activity treatment strategies to promote positive affect, reduce pain, and improve quality of life in patients with persistent pain. Combining lecture and an experiential exercise, this introductory course is applicable to healthcare professionals working in both inpatient and outpatient settings that serve patients with persistent pain conditions. Clinicians who wish to expand their toolbox of treatment strategies to offer this often complex and challenging patient population will benefit.