| Abstract: | The present research examined the functional relations between the different dimensions of catastrophic thinking and pain-related disability, as a function of stage of chronicity. In the present study, 150 patients with chronic pain were grouped to form 3 different levels of chronicity: Group A (6 months to 2 years, n = 44); Group B (2-4 years, n = 55); and Group C (more than 4 years, n = 51). The 3 subscales of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (Rumination, Magnification, Helplessness) were used as predictors of disability. Disability was assessed with the Pain Disability Index and pain was assessed with the McGill Pain Questionnaire. For Group A, regression analysis revealed that none of the PCS subscales predicted disability beyond the variance accounted for by sex, age and pain. Rumination was a significant predictor of disability in Group B, and both rumination and helplessness predicted disability in Group C. These findings provide preliminary evidence that stage of chronicity is an important moderator of psychological vulnerability for pain-related disability. Discussion addresses how the impact of pain management programs might be increased by tailoring interventions to specific patient needs. |
