Sydney, Australia — A recent study from researchers at UNSW Sydney and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) uncovers a promising approach to relieving chronic pain through enhanced emotional processing. The initiative, named Pain and Emotion Therapy, aims to teach participants how to effectively manage their emotions, yielding significant improvements in pain levels and overall quality of life.
The trial, which examined the experiences of 89 individuals suffering from chronic pain, showcased the impact of emotional dysregulation as a previously overlooked factor in pain management. Professor Sylvia Gustin and Dr. Nell Norman-Nott, who led the study, noted that the findings could pave the way for innovative treatments that address the emotional aspects of chronic pain.
Participants in the therapy, delivered online, experienced an approximate 10-point reduction in pain intensity on a 100-point scale within six months. The structured program included eight group sessions via video conference and incorporated supplemental materials such as an app and handbook for self-guided learning. In contrast, the control group continued their standard treatment without any emotional therapy.
“The study shows that by altering emotional management strategies, people can change their pain experiences,” Gustin said. “This therapy not only provides temporary relief but also fosters long-lasting improvements in daily living.”
Chronic pain, defined as pain persisting for more than three months, affects nearly 30% of the global population, resulting in substantial economic burdens that exceed those associated with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. Moreover, individuals with chronic pain often contend with heightened levels of anxiety and depression, both of which exacerbate their condition.
“An inability to regulate negative emotions can worsen chronic pain,” Gustin explained. “With persistent pain impacting the brain’s emotional processes, effective management of emotions becomes essential.”
One participant, Jabez Allies, shared her experience with chronic back pain, describing how her emotional state closely intertwines with her physical sensations. “Negative emotions amplify the pain, and when the pain worsens, it perpetuates my negative feelings,” Allies said.
The researchers advocate for a shift in pain management approaches, suggesting that a holistic treatment model could enhance outcomes. Dr. Norman-Nott emphasized that while medications are crucial, they are often accompanied by side effects and diminishing returns over time. In contrast, emotional regulation therapies may provide a complementary avenue with fewer side effects.
“Understanding and expressing emotions is vital for those battling chronic pain,” Norman-Nott noted. “This therapy addresses that need by focusing on emotion processing, which is often the missing element in conventional pain management.”
As the initiative garners attention, calls for wider participation in upcoming trials are underway. Researchers are planning to expand their study, with a larger clinical trial anticipated to begin in 2026 to further validate their findings.
The implications of this research highlight the necessity for a comprehensive approach to chronic pain treatment—one that recognizes the integral connection between emotional wellbeing and physical health. As experts continue to explore these links, the potential for accessible and effective interventions may change how we understand and treat chronic pain in the future.