Publications [#273800] of Francis J. Keefe

Journal Articles

1. Carson, JW; Keefe, FJ; Lynch, TR; Carson, KM; Goli, V; Fras, AM; Thorp, SR (2005). Loving-kindness meditation for chronic low back pain: results from a pilot trial.. J Holist Nurs, 23(3), 287-304. [16049118], [doi]
   (last updated on 2025/06/16)

   Abstract:
   PURPOSE: Loving-kindness meditation has been used for centuries in the Buddhist tradition to develop love and transform anger into compassion. This pilot study tested an 8-week loving-kindness program for chronic low back pain patients. METHOD: Patients (N = 43) were randomly assigned to the intervention or standard care. Standardized measures assessed patients' pain, anger, and psychological distress. FINDINGS: Post and follow-up analyses showed significant improvements in pain and psychological distress in the loving-kindness group, but no changes in the usual care group. Multilevel analyses of daily data showed that more loving-kindness practice on a given day was related to lower pain that day and lower anger the next day. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results suggest that the loving-kindness program can be beneficial in reducing pain, anger, and psychological distress in patients with persistent low back pain. IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians may find loving-kindness meditation helpful in the treatment of patients with persistent pain.