Perceived optimism and chronic pain.

Abstract

The personality dimension of optimism is one aspect of the broader study of pain and draws a great deal of attention as a significant mediator of stress in several psychological domains, including health and clinical psychology. Because of its health-promoting effects-observed across various physical conditions-there has been growing speculation that optimism could influence the course and experience of pain. This hypothesis coincides with a burgeoning body of literature that suggests not only that psychological factors are important in the experience of pain but that they represent a major influence in the response to treatment. To date, most pain research has focused primarily on the effects of stress, adversity, and other negative psychological variables on pain-related health outcomes. For example, high levels of stress and disturbed mood are generally believed to increase the likelihood of poorer health outcomes and to exacerbate pain severity and disability among pain patients (Jensen, Turner, Romano, & Karoly, 1991;Turk, 1996;Turk & Rudy, 1988). Additionally, the relatively high incidence of psychiatric morbidity (mood, anxiety, somatization, and personality disorders) among pain patients compared with the general population provides support for the idea that psychological factors influence the pain experience, and possibly its pathogenesis (Dworkin

Optimism and the Experience of Pain: Benefits of Seeing the Glass as Half Full

“…In his review of the optimism and pain literature published in 2000 [18], Garafalo suggested that the scant amount of completed research addressing the beneficial effects of optimism on pain were compelling but too preliminary to make any meaningful generalizations. He concluded by stating that further exploration of optimism’s role as a protective factor in the experience of pain was needed.…”

“…In 2000, Garofalo conducted a review of the then scant body of literature specifically addressing whether optimism confers any benefit for the experience and management of chronic pain [18]. At the time, the influence of optimism on individuals’ experiences of chronic pain, or any type of pain for that matter, had never been systematically examined.…”

Evaluation of Preoperative Expectations and Patient Satisfaction After Carpal Tunnel Release

“…26 It is a valid, reliable, and brief measure that assesses the general worldview that good things will happen to the respondent. 11 Scores range from 0 to 48, with higher scores indicating a more positive life outlook. The Health Optimism Scale is a measure of optimism specific to health.…”

Mejora en algunas dimensiones de salud percibida en pacien- tes con fibromialgia mediante la aplicación de un programa de meditación mindfulness

“…En este sentido, Garofalo (2000) establece que las variables psicológicas están implicadas de forma importante en la experiencia de dolor, al tiempo que presentan un papel fundamental en la respuesta que los pacientes presentan al tratamiento. Así, Turk (1996) establece que el desarrollo y manifestación del dolor y la fatiga características de la fibromialgia, están originadas por un proceso de condicionamiento respondiente.…”