Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Pain Perception, Cognitive Function, and Mental Well-Being in Migraine Patients

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness training on pain perception, cognitive function, and mental well-being in migraine patients in Tabriz. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test–post-test design and separate groups. The statistical population included all migraine patients in Tabriz during the first four months of 2024. To determine the sample, 30 participants were non-randomly selected through purposive sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. Pain perception was measured using the Revised Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-2), cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Ability (Performance) Questionnaire by Najati (2013), and mental well-being was evaluated using the Cantril Ladder (1965). Prior to the intervention, both groups completed pre-tests on pain perception, cognitive function, and mental well-being. The experimental group received 8 sessions of Williams' (2002) mindfulness training through an educational protocol, while the control group received no educational intervention. After the intervention, both groups completed the same post-test measures. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The results showed that mindfulness training was effective in the subscales of pain perception, cognitive function, and mental well-being in migraine patients (p < 0.05). Based on the effectiveness of mindfulness training on pain perception, cognitive function, and mental well-being in migraine patients, it can be concluded that mindfulness training, alongside treatment of physiological components, can reduce pain perception and, through this, enhance cognitive function and mental well-being.