This study examines the effects of PATH-Pain on emotion regulation to improve self-management of pain and pain-related disability in older adults with chronic pain, negative emotions, and cognitive impairment. The investigators propose that emotion regulation is the mechanism of change through which PATH-Pain improves pain and pain-related disability (outcomes). This pilot study will provide initial evidence of the: a) feasibility and acceptability of PATH-Pain; b) effects of PATH-Pain on emotion regulation (mechanism of change) and outcomes (pain and pain-related disability); and c) mediating effect of emotion regulation (mechanism of change) on outcomes (pain and pain-related disability). The investigators will randomize 120 older adults (60 years or older) with chronic non-cancer related pain and negative emotions to PATH-Pain vs. Usual Care with Education (UCE). PATH-Pain will be administered by licensed mental health clinicians. Research assessments will be conducted at the Wright Center at study entry (baseline), and at 5, 10 (end of treatment), and 24 weeks.
Additionally, 20 providers of patients will be interviewed for feedback regarding the intervention.
Edits were made in November 2024 to better align with the study protocol regarding timing and measures.
