Self-appraised problem solving and pain-relevant social support as predictors of the experience of chronic pain

Ann Behav Med. 2002 Spring;24(2):100-5. doi: 10.1207/S15324796ABM2402_06.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the contributions of self-appraised problem-solving competence and pain-relevant social support to the prediction of pain, depression, and disability. The 234 chronic pain patients referred for participation in a comprehensive pain management program were administered self-report measures of pain, depression, disability, pain-relevant social support, and problem solving. Hierarchical multiple-regression analyses revealed that lower self-appraised problem-solving competence was related to increased pain, depression, and disability. Pain-relevant social support was directly related to pain and disability but indirectly related to depression. High levels of pain-relevant social support were found to buffer the relation between poorer self-appraised problem-solving competence and depressive symptoms. The results support the assessment of problem-solving skills in chronic pain patients and the investigation and utility of interventions aimed at increasing adaptive pain-relevant social support.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cognition*
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / etiology
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain* / psychology
  • Patient Care Team
  • Problem Solving*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Self-Assessment*
  • Social Support*