(PS10-50) Improving Distress Tolerance and Sleep with Daily Mindfulness Practice Through VR Application

Abstract Text: This study is part of a larger investigation into the application of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for chronic pain, specifically focusing on its effects on distress tolerance and sleep quality. While the broader study explores the impact of MBSR on chronic pain and related factors, such as mood, substance use, and stress, this specific study aims to examine how a home-based, virtual reality (VR)-delivered MBSR program can influence distress tolerance and sleep quality in individuals with chronic pain.
Participants will be adults with chronic pain who do not have any preexisting conditions (such as seizures or vertigo) that would prevent them from using VR technology. After providing informed consent, participants will complete baseline assessments of distress tolerance, sleep quality, and other relevant factors. They will also test the comfort and functionality of the VR headset, either in person or remotely. Following the baseline phase, participants will use a smartphone app to provide real-time reports on pain, sleep, mood, and other metrics.
The intervention phase will consist of four weeks of MBSR delivered through VR-based mindfulness videos and exercises, daily mindfulness meditations, and ongoing assessments of distress tolerance and sleep quality. Participants will also be asked to report on these measures throughout the treatment phase. Post-treatment assessments will be conducted immediately after participants complete the MBSR program.
Preliminary findings from the broader study suggest improvements in pain levels after participating in MBSR. This specific focus on distress tolerance and sleep quality will yield valuable insights into how the program impacts these key areas for individuals with chronic pain. As more participants complete this study, the findings will contribute to the larger body of research with the potential for a randomized controlled trial.