The role of positive goal engagement in increased psychological well-being amongst individuals with chronic non-cancer pain

• Main Author: Iddon, J.
• Published: University of Liverpool 2016
• Subjects: 616
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.706905

Individuals with chronic pain commonly report significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Emerging evidence demonstrates the relevance of capturing clinical outcomes in relation to improved psychological well-being (PWB), though little is known about the psychological processes or mechanisms underpinning enhancements in PWB within this population. The study aimed to investigate whether 1) increased levels of pain intensity and interference predicted lower levels of PWB, 2) increased goal-focused hope and solution-focused thinking predicted higher levels of PWB, and 3) whether the relationships between pain characteristics and PWP were mediated by increased goal-focused hope and solution-focused thinking. A total of 586 individuals with chronic pain participated in the online, cross-sectional study. Structural equational modelling was used to test a hypothesised model whereby self-report measures of solution-focused thinking and goal-focused hope comprised the latent variable positive goal engagement (PGE). Self-report measures of pain characteristics and PWB were also completed. Results showed that both pain characteristics and PGE predicted PWB. Moreover, relationships between pain intensity and interference and PWB were partially mediated by PGE. The results provide tentative evidence for the protective role of PGE in enabling individuals with chronic pain to maintain a sense of PWB.