A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy with and Without Physiotherapy on Psychological Well-Being and Executive Functions in Elderly Individuals with Chronic Pain Due to Osteoarthritis

Authors
nasrin bozorgpoor niazi 1
Fatemeh shahabizadeh 2
mahboobeh faramarzi 3
1 Department of Psychology, Bi.C., Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran
2 Department of Psychology, Bi.C., Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran.
3 Department of Psychology, Research Center for Social Factors Affecting Health, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused and mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), combined with physiotherapy, on psychological well-being and executive functions among elderly individuals suffering from chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis. The research followed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments, along with a control group. The statistical population included elderly individuals over 60 years old diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritic pain, selected through purposive sampling. A total of 45 participants were randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group. The intervention groups received compassion-focused and mindfulness-based CBT, either with or without physiotherapy. Data were collected using Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale and the Stroop Executive Function Test and analyzed using multivariate covariance analysis and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Findings indicated that the interventions, particularly the combined CBT with physiotherapy, significantly improved components of psychological well-being (self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy) and executive functions. These effects remained stable at follow-up. Although improvements were observed in personal growth, environmental mastery, and purpose in life, no significant differences were found between the two intervention groups in these dimensions. Effect size analysis suggested a large clinical impact. Overall, the results support the integration of psychotherapy and physiotherapy as an effective approach to promoting mental health and cognitive functioning in elderly patients with chronic pain.
Keywords
Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Mindfulness
Psychological well-being
Executive Functions
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