Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Cognitive Function in Patients with Chronic Pain

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Chronic pain is associated not only with physical complications but also with impairments in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility, which may negatively affect patients’ quality of life. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on cognitive function in patients with chronic pain.

Methodology: This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of patients with chronic pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and discopathy in Tehran during 2022–2023. Sixty participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned into three groups of 20 participants, including CBT, MBCT, and control groups. Data were collected using Nejati’s Cognitive Abilities Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using mixed repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Findings: The results indicated that both CBT and MBCT significantly improved overall cognitive function and its subscales compared with the control group (P<0.001). Significant interaction effects of time and group membership were observed across all cognitive function components. Bonferroni post hoc analysis demonstrated that MBCT produced significantly greater improvements than CBT in overall cognitive performance (p=0.006), memory, inhibitory control, and sustained attention. Moreover, the differences between posttest and follow-up stages were not significant, indicating the stability of treatment effects over time.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that both therapeutic approaches are effective in improving cognitive function among patients with chronic pain; however, MBCT demonstrated superior effectiveness. Therefore, mindfulness-based interventions may be considered an effective psychological approach for enhancing cognitive functioning and reducing the psychological consequences of chronic pain.