Pain centrality mediates pain self‐efficacy and symptom severity among individuals reporting chronic pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is consistently associated with the presence of mental health disorders. Although previous research has shown relations between low levels of self‐efficacy with chronic pain severity as well as comorbid mental health symptoms, the link between self‐efficacy and mental health symptoms in chronic pain is not well understood. This study examined whether pain centrality, the extent to which pain is viewed as central to self‐identity, may underlie these associations. Individuals with a diagnosis of chronic pain (N = 89) recruited through MTurkcompleted self‐report measures including demographics, self‐efficacy, pain centrality, pain severity, depression, and anxiety. Pain severity was associated with higher levels of pain centrality, depression, anxiety, and lower levels of self‐efficacy. Path analysis demonstrated pain centrality significantly mediated the relationship between self‐efficacy and pain severity, depression, and anxiety. Future studies would benefit from testing whether modifying pain centrality beliefs shift perceptions of control as well as pain and psychological outcomes.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Pain self-efficacy refers to the confidence or belief in one's ability to achieve behavioral goals in the context of pain ( 24 ). Patients with high levels of pain self-efficacy may make it easier for them to acknowledge the objective reality of the existence of CLBP, to actively manage and cope with the various adverse stresses associated with CLBP, with a correspondingly significantly lower risk of pain-related distress and psychological disorders ( 40 ). Therefore, the risk of depressive symptoms in patients with CLBP can be reduced by improving family function and pain self-efficacy.…”

Anxiety Symptoms and Associated Factors Among Chronic Low Back Pain Patients in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A meta-analysis showed that pain self-efficacy was a protective factor for patients with persistent pain ( 43 ). Patients with high levels of pain self-efficacy would be more confident in pain self-management and seek pain relief treatment, thus contributing to disease recovery and maintaining a healthy state of mind ( 44 ). Therefore, it is necessary for medical professionals to provide pain education to patients with CLBP to enhance their competence and confidence in pain management, thereby reducing the risk of anxiety symptoms.…”