Objective: Persistent low back pain (PLBP) is associated with vulnerability to depression. PLBP frequently requires major changes in occupation and lifestyle, which can lead to a sense of failing to attain one's personal goals (self-discrepancy).
Method: We conducted a clinical trial to examine the efficacy of self-system therapy (SST), a brief structured therapy for depression based on self-discrepancy theory. A total of 101 patients with PLBP and clinically significant depressive symptoms were randomized either to SST, pain education, or standard care.
Results: Patients receiving SST showed significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms. Reduction in self-discrepancy predicted reduction in depressive symptoms only within the SST condition.
Conclusions: Findings support the utility of SST for individuals facing persistent pain and associated depression.
Keywords: depression; persistent pain; self-discrepancy; self-regulation; self-system therapy.