J Pain, 2008 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.04.008 · Published: September 1, 2008
This research explores how changes in what people believe about their pain and how they deal with it affect their ability to function and their mental well-being, specifically in individuals who have spinal cord injuries (SCI) and experience pain. The study found that when people's tendency to 'catastrophize' their pain (exaggerate the negative aspects) increased, they experienced greater difficulty in daily activities and poorer mental health. Conversely, believing they had control over their pain was linked to less interference and better psychological functioning. These findings suggest that targeting negative thought patterns and promoting a sense of control could be beneficial in managing pain and improving the quality of life for individuals with SCI.
Intervention programs should focus on reducing catastrophizing and enhancing perceived control over pain to improve outcomes.
CBT techniques could be utilized to address maladaptive pain-related beliefs and promote adaptive coping strategies.
A multidisciplinary approach including psychological interventions may be most appropriate for individuals with high affective distress and dysfunctional coping styles.