Browsing by Author "Fras, Anne Marie"

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    Self-system therapy for distress associated with persistent low back pain: A randomized clinical trial.
    (Psychother Res, 2016-07) Waters, Sandra J; Strauman, Timothy J; McKee, Daphne C; Campbell, Lisa C; Shelby, Rebecca A; Dixon, Kim E; Fras, Anne Marie; Keefe, Francis J
    OBJECTIVE: Persistent low back pain (PLBP) is associated with vulnerability to depression. PLBP frequently requires major changes in occupation and lifestyle, which can lead to a sense of failing to attain one's personal goals (self-discrepancy). METHOD: We conducted a clinical trial to examine the efficacy of self-system therapy (SST), a brief structured therapy for depression based on self-discrepancy theory. A total of 101 patients with PLBP and clinically significant depressive symptoms were randomized either to SST, pain education, or standard care. RESULTS: Patients receiving SST showed significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms. Reduction in self-discrepancy predicted reduction in depressive symptoms only within the SST condition. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the utility of SST for individuals facing persistent pain and associated depression.