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Objectives There is scarce information on preventive psychological and behavioural methods applicable to sub-acute (4–12 weeks) back pain, a precursor to chronic back pain. We conducted a systematic literature review of the efficacy of psychological interventions in preventing chronicity of sub-acute back pain. Methods A systematic literature search in CINAHL, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed®, PsychINFO, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Results From a total of 271 records, only three studies met the eligibility criteria. In two of the reviewed studies, the interventions had an insignificant preventive impact on the chronification of back pain. In one study the CBT intervention proved promising in preventing back pain related disability. None of the studies reported a significant impact on pain intensity at follow-up. Conclusions The psychological interventions did not impact pain outcomes. There is a disproportion between novel knowledge on psychological factors involved in the transition to chronic pain and corresponding preventive treatments. Additional studies on psychological interventions on sub-acute back pain prevention are highly warranted due to the enormous burden that back pain creates when it becomes chronic. The research project has the ethical approval of the Research Ethical Committee at Helsinki University Hospital, HUS/2435/2017.