People with chronic low
back pain and their spouses will participate together in this study.
It is not necessary that couples believe they are in a troubled
relationship. Many couples participate simply because they are
interested in this kind of research. This is not a therapy study.
Participation in this
study involves attending two sessions at the Marital Therapy & Research
Clinic. These sessions will take approximately 1.5 hours each.
Couples will discuss important topics that come up in their marriage, and
the person with chronic pain will perform tasks involving simple movements
(bending, sitting) while his or her spouse observes. Both spouses will also
complete a set of questionnaires and be interviewed individually. We will
pay each spouse $75 for completing both sessions ($150 total for each
couple).
Couples can also
participate in a second study using Palm Pilots. For this study, you and
your spouse will attend a session in which you will receive instructions on
how and when to use the Palm Pilots. Both you and your spouse will be expected
to carry your own Palm Pilot with you throughout the day for 14 days. During
those 14 days, you will be prompted by the Palm Pilot to answer questions
five times per day. We will pay each spouse $150 for completing assessments
for all of the 14 days.
Couples interested in
this study can call the Clinic, (574) 631-9640, for more information and to
arrange an appointment. We are located in South Bend across from the Notre Dame campus. Inquiries, participation, and information collected
as part of this study will be kept in the strictest of confidence. No
information provided by study participants will be shared with spouses.
For additional
information, please feel free to contact Dr. David Smith by phone, (574)
631-7763, or email.
