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Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy vs the Health Enhancement Program for Chronic Pain and Depression; The Quiet Focus Study
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Adapted for Older Adults At-Risk for the Chronic Pain-Depression Co-Morbidity; The Quiet Focus Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Who can join
Ages 50 to 120 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Participant Inclusion Criteria 1. Older adult (age ≥ 50) 2. All individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in any of the Black racial groups of Africa 3. Pain in muscles, joints, bones, or associated soft tissues (NRS\>4) lasting longer than 3 months 4. Depressed (PHQ-9 score of 5-14) 5. English fluency/literacy 6. Ability and willingness to participate via in-person and video 7. No change to type or dose of antidepressant medications for at least 6 weeks prior to screening 8. Willing to provide informed consent and comply with all aspects of the protocol Participant Exclusion Criteria 1. Moderately severe or severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 15) 2. Current substance abuse/dependence 3. Significant cognitive impairment 4. History of more than 8 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy 5. History of previous training in mindfulness or undergoing counseling more than once a month 6. History of or current diagnosis of psychosis 7. Active suicidal ideation (PHQ-9 item #9 or otherwise reported during screening) or self-harm within the past 90 days 8. Current participation in another behavioral clinical trial
About the study
The goal of this clinical trial is to pilot a randomized controlled trial comparing an adaptation of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to the health enhancement program for chronic pain and depression. The main questions it aims to answer in a later fully powered randomized controlled trial are:
* Is an adaptation of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for older Black adults able to improve quality of life? * Will an adapted mindfulness based cognitive therapy reduce pain interference to a greater degree than a traditional health enhancement program?
What is being tested
- Quiet Focus (behavioral)
- Health Enhancement Program (behavioral)
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital · Participants: 60 · Started: Sep 1, 2025
Contact the study team
- Tony V Pham · Phone: 617-800-9988
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07118722
Locations in the U.S.
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.