Frequency and perceived effectiveness of coping define important subgroups of patients with chronic pain

Investigate the relationship between frequency and perceived effectiveness of coping strategies used to cope with chronic pain. Examine the association between these variables and pain-related negative mood.

Retrospective review of psychological measures completed by 122 adult chronic pain patients seen at a multidisciplinary pain clinic at the University of Florida. Empirical subgroups according to reported frequency and perceived effectiveness of coping strategies used were identified resulting in a 4-group solution based on combinations of high versus low effectiveness and high versus low frequency of use.

Analysis of variance results revealed significantly higher levels of distress (depression and pain-related anxiety) for selected subgroups [F(2,99)=4.902, P<0.05, η2=0.09 and F(2,93)=3.504, P<0.05, η2=0.07, respectively]. Post-hoc analyses revealed significantly more depression (mean=20.20, SD=9.77) and more pain-related anxiety (mean=101.07, SD=35.78) in individuals frequently using ineffective coping as compared with those reporting frequent use of effective coping (Mean(depression)=14.88, SD(depression)=7.40; Mean(pain-related anxiety)=78.93, SD(pain-related anxiety)=32.26) and those reporting infrequent use of ineffective coping (Mean(depression)=13.89, SD(depression)=9.44).

Perceived effectiveness and frequency of coping strategy use may influence pain-related negative mood. Maladaptive coping may be a risk factor associated with more emotional distress; it is also possible that more emotional distress predisposes maladaptive coping. Taking into account both the frequency of coping strategy use and the perceived effectiveness of strategy type is suggested for future studies.