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Optimism and Pain Interference in Aging Women
Stephanie T Judge1, Jody L Clasey2, Leslie J Crofford3
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
Summary
Optimism can protect older women from daily pain interference, promoting goal-directed activity. This creates a positive cycle, enhancing optimism and well-being over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Pain significantly impacts daily life, limiting activities essential for well-being.
- Individual experiences of pain interference vary even at similar pain levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional relationship between optimism, pain interference, and goal-directed activity in older women.
- To understand how optimism influences and is influenced by daily pain and activity.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year longitudinal study involving 199 community-dwelling women (middle-aged and older).
- Participants completed daily online diaries reporting pain, pain interference, and goal-directed activity.
- Multilevel models and linear regression analyzed the relationships and changes in optimism.
Main Results:
- Pain was a primary predictor of pain interference.
- Optimism predicted goal-directed activity.
- Accumulated goal-directed activity and reduced pain interference predicted increased optimism over time.
Conclusions:
- Optimism may buffer the negative effects of pain, fostering increased activity and potentially reducing interference.
- A virtuous cycle exists where reduced pain interference and increased activity enhance optimism, promoting overall well-being in older women.
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