The role of pain catastrophizing in cyberchondria among emerging adults

Gibler, Robert C.; Mano, Kristen E. Jastrowski; O’Bryan, Emily M.; Beadel, Jessica R.; McLeish, Alison C.

doi:10.1080/13548506.2019.1605087

Cited by 29 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 43 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Recent study found that the psychosomatic symptom level was positively related to perceived COVID-19 threat and anxiety ( Gica et al, 2020 ; Ran et al, 2020 ; Xu et al, 2020 ). In particular, individuals with symptoms, such as pain catastrophizing ( Gibler et al, 2019 ), searched online for more information about their symptoms, resulting in disruption of daily functioning, escalations in health-related concerns, excessive health-related checking behaviors and greater healthcare utilization.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Status and Influencing Factors of Cyberchondria During the COVID-19 Epidemic. A Cross-Sectional Study in Nanyang City of China

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Cyberchondria is considered “the anxiety-amplifying effects of online health-related searches.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are likely to search health-related information online for reassurance because of fear and related physical symptoms, while cyberchondria may be triggered due to the escalation of health anxiety, different online seeking behavior preference, information overload, and insufficient e-health literacy. This study aimed to investigate the status and influencing factors of cyberchondria in residents in China during the epidemic period of COVID-19. The participants were 674 community residents of Nanyang city surveyed from February 1 to 15, 2020. We administered online measures, including the Chinese Short Form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (C-CSS-12), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and COVID-19-related online information seeking behavior questionnaire. In our study, the average C-CSS-12 total score of residents was 30.65 ± 11.53 during the virus epidemic; 25% of participants scored 22 or below, 50% scored 23 to 38, and 21.9% scored 39 to 60. The SHAI total score (β = 0.598 > 0, P < 0.001), the use of general search engines (β = 1.867 > 0, P = 0.039), and searching for information on how to diagnose COVID-19 (β = 2.280 > 0, P = 0.020) were independent risk factors for cyberchondria, while searching lasting less than 10 min each (β = −2.992 < 0, P = 0.048), the use of traditional media digital platforms (β = −1.650 < 0, P = 0.024) and professional medical communication platforms (β = −4.189 < 0, P = 0.007) were independent protective factors. Our findings showed that nearly a quarter of the participants scored 39 or higher on the C-CSS-12 in Nanyang city during the pandemic, which should be taken seriously. Health anxiety and COVID-19-related online information seeking behavior including online duration, topics and choice on different information channels were important influencing factors of cyberchondria. These findings have implications for further research and clinical practice on cyberchondria in China.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Status and Influencing Factors of Cyberchondria During the COVID-19 Epidemic. A Cross-Sectional Study in Nanyang City of China

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The concept of cyberchondria was developed on the basis of its hypothesized relationships with health anxiety and hypochondriasis. Many studies [11,12,14,[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] have confirmed moderate to strong correlations between cyberchondria and health anxiety (rs ranging from 0.48 to 0.68, depending on the instrument used for the assessment of health anxiety). Only one study [13] found this correlation to be relatively weak (r = 0.23).…”

Section: Relationships Between Cyberchondria and Other Constructsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent Insights Into Cyberchondria

Starčević

Berle

Arnáez

2020

Curr Psychiatry Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose of Review The construct of cyberchondria was introduced relatively recently. This article aims to review the conceptualization, theoretical basis and correlates of cyberchondria, as well as its prevention and management. Recent Findings Although there is no consensus, most definitions of cyberchondria emphasize online health research associated with heightened distress or anxiety. The two theoretical models of cyberchondria involve reassurance seeking and specific metacognitive beliefs. Cyberchondria has relationships with health anxiety, problematic Internet use and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, with public health implications pertaining to functional impairment and altered healthcare utilization. Suggestions about prevention and management of cyberchondria have been put forward, but not tested yet. Summary Research interest in cyberchondria has steadily increased. It is uncertain whether cyberchondria can be considered a distinct entity. Future research should aim to clarify the conceptual status of cyberchondria, quantify its impact and develop evidence-based approaches for a better control of cyberchondria.

show abstract

“…Catastrophising posts particularly about CRPS spread and worst-case scenarios can be more prevalent than posts about good health outcomes. 51,56 The provision by HPs of a list of helpful sites to patients might be useful in reducing cyberchondria 20 , but patient understanding must be ensured.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patients Describe their Lived Experiences of Battling to Live with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Johnston-Devin¹,

Oprescu²,

Gray³

et al. 2021

The Journal of Pain

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has never comprehensively been examined from a lived experience perspective. Patients generally have a poorer quality of life than people with other chronic pain conditions. This study aimed to understand the essence of living with CRPS. Data were collected from 17 patients via in-depth interviews. Hermeneutic discussions with four health professionals generated deeper insights. Internet blogs and a book containing patient stories were included for theme verification and triangulation. CRPS is seen as a war-like experience and five themes were identified within the battle: "dealing with the unknown enemy", "building an armoury against a moving target", "battles within the war", "developing battle plans with allies" and "warrior or prisoner of war". Patients live with a chronic pain condition and experience problems unique to CRPS such as fear of pain extending to other parts of their body. Use of the model generated by this research may assist patient/clinician interactions and guide therapeutic discussions. Support for people living with CRPS does not always exist, and some healthcare professionals require additional education about the condition. Better health outcomes are experienced by patients when their personal situation and experiences are heard and understood by health care professionals.Perspective: This article presents the lived experience of CRPS. This information and the model generated can help clinicians to better understand their patients and deliver appropriate patient-centered care.

show abstract

The role of pain catastrophizing in cyberchondria among emerging adults

Cited by 29 publications

References 43 publications

The Status and Influencing Factors of Cyberchondria During the COVID-19 Epidemic. A Cross-Sectional Study in Nanyang City of China

The Status and Influencing Factors of Cyberchondria During the COVID-19 Epidemic. A Cross-Sectional Study in Nanyang City of China

Recent Insights Into Cyberchondria

Patients Describe their Lived Experiences of Battling to Live with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About