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
interested in this study can call the Clinic, (574) 631-9640, for
more information and to arrange an appointment. 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.
