Mindful Self-Compassion and Music Therapy as a Resource for Individuals with Chronic Pain

Introduction: Treatment for individuals living with chronic pain often aims to shift patients from helplessness to resourcefulness, fostering self-efficacy. This study tested the feasibility of integrating Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) techniques into music therapy (MT) and explored their potential effects on pain experience, acceptance, and self-compassion.Method: In a convergent parallel mixed-methods feasibility study, adults with chronic pain attended weekly individual MT sessions. Quantitative measures included the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, and a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, assessed at baseline and post-therapy. Focused interviews provided qualitative data, analyzed thematically, according to Braun and Clarke (2006, 2021). Pre-and post-results were compared using descriptive and non-parametric statistics.Results: Feasibility in terms of recruitment could be shown, with some challenges in retention and compliance, with eight participants (n = 8) completing the whole study. Qualitative findings highlighted the value of MT, with participants reporting moments of self-care, refocusing, and exploring their pain and emotions with a validating and accepting attitude. While no substantial changes were observed in the SCS or pain perception, there was a tendency for increased pain acceptance.Discussion:This study was the first to integrate MSC within MT. Despite the small sample size, feasibility was demonstrated. Although generalizability is limited, these findings may offer a foundation for future research on combining MSC and MT for chronic pain management.