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Distinct Influences of Anxiety and Pain Catastrophizing on Functional Outcomes in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Pain. J Pediatr Psychol 2015 Sep;40(8):744-55

Date

04/04/2015

Pubmed ID

25840447

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsv029

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84943156639 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   74 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Examine whether anxiety and pain catastrophizing are distinct constructs in relation to functional outcomes in pediatric chronic pain, and whether they differentially predict functional outcomes based on age.

METHODS: In all, 725 youth (191 children, 534 adolescents) with chronic pain completed measures of pain characteristics, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, functional disability, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Structural equation modeling was used to examine interrelationships.

RESULTS: Anxiety and pain catastrophizing were distinct. For both children and adolescents, pain catastrophizing predicted pain, functional disability, and HRQOL, and was a stronger predictor of pain intensity. For children, anxiety predicted HRQOL, and pain catastrophizing was a stronger predictor of functional disability. For adolescents, anxiety predicted functional disability and HRQOL, and anxiety was a stronger predictor of HRQOL.

CONCLUSIONS: There were age-related differences regarding whether anxiety or pain catastrophizing more strongly predicted specific functional outcomes. Assessment and intervention efforts should emphasize both anxiety and pain catastrophizing.

Author List

Tran ST, Jastrowski Mano KE, Hainsworth KR, Medrano GR, Anderson Khan K, Weisman SJ, Davies WH

Authors

W. Hobart Davies Professor & Chair in the Phychology department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Keri Hainsworth PhD Director, Associate Professor in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Steven J. Weisman MD Professor in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Anxiety Disorders
Catastrophization
Child
Chronic Pain
Disabled Persons
Female
Humans
Male
Pain Measurement
Quality of Life