Increasing access to pain management: Feasibility of a self-compassion psychoeducational website using a minimally monitored delivery model

Self-compassion has been associated with several positive pain-related outcomes. However, little is known about the impact of targeting self-compassion on pain management. This study assesses the feasibility of a self-compassion psychoeducation website among adults with chronic pain using a minimally monitored delivery model. Participants (N = 26) were recruited online and a single group pre-test and post-test design with a 3-month follow-up was used. The intervention was a 6-week program comprised of a video, writing exercises, guided meditations and automated emails. Feasibility outcome measures were grouped into the following categories: study engagement (ease of recruitment, attrition, adherence, satisfaction), pain vulnerability variables (intensity, interference, catastrophizing, mood) and protective pain variables (self-compassion, resilience and acceptance). Challenges pertaining to uptake were encountered. Attrition was higher (n = 11/26; 42%) and adherence to the full treatment protocol lower (n = 6/26; 23%) than expected. Treatment satisfaction was high with nearly all study completers (93%) reporting that they would recommend the program to a friend. Intent-to-treat mixed effects models showed a significant and large increase of self-compassion (d = 0.92) and a significant impact on several outcome variables (ds from 0.24 to 1.15) with most gains either maintained or increased at follow-up. The recruitment strategy may have negatively impacted participant engagement. Methodological modifications are proposed to improve the feasibility of the program. Minimally monitored web-based programs targeting self-compassion may benefit adults with chronic pain who may have limited access to traditional psychological services or who prefer online-based interventions.