A health psychologist runs an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) group for patients with chronic pain. At week 8, participants report lower perceived pain interference and higher quality of life on validated scales, although objective measures of tissue inflammation are unchanged from baseline.
Which interpretation best explains the pattern of results?
- A
The lack of inflammatory change proves MBSR is a placebo effect.
- Bcheck_circle
MBSR alters the cognitive and emotional appraisal of pain rather than its underlying physiology.
- C
Self-report measures are invalid and should be ignored.
- D
MBSR cures chronic pain by eliminating the inflammatory source.
Explanation
Mindfulness-based interventions typically modify how patients relate to pain (appraisal, attention, acceptance), improving function and quality of life without necessarily changing peripheral pathology. The other options overstate or dismiss the data.