Comparing the Effectiveness of Group Training of Coping Skills and Mindfulness on Pain Perception and Cognitive Flexibility in Patients with Kidney Failure: A Semi-experimental Study.

Background & aim: Chronic diseases challenge the cognitive and behavioral systems of patients. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of group training of coping skills and mindfulness on pain perception and cognitive flexibility in patients with kidney failure with a lasting effect. Methods: This semi-experimental study was carried out cross-sectionally. The statistical population of this study included all kidney failure patients who were referred to Shariati Hospital in 2021-2022 (from February to June). Accordingly, 45 patients with kidney failure were selected voluntarily and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group by using matching method. All the three groups responded to the McGill Pain Questionnaire (1997) and the Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire (2010) in the pre-test, post-test and follow-up stages. The group therapy program based on mindfulness on the first experimental group and coping skills on the second experimental group were implemented in eight sessions, each lasting for one hour and a half. Results: The findings indicated that group training of coping skills and mindfulness leads to a reduction in pain perception and an increase in cognitive flexibility. Therefore; There is no significant difference between the effectiveness of group training of coping skills and mindfulness on pain perception and cognitive flexibility in patients with kidney failure (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Two types of grouping training interventions, coping skills and mindfulness; can affect pain perception and cognitive flexibility in patients with kidney failure, and this effectiveness continues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]