The Cyclical Relation Between Chronic Pain, Executive Functioning, Emotional Regulation, and Self-Management

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Psychology
• Pain Management
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Chronic pain in adolescents is a significant issue.
• Executive functioning and emotional regulation are crucial for adolescent development and coping.
• Existing literature suggests a link between executive functioning and chronic pain, but a comprehensive model is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose the Cyclical model Of Pain, Executive function, emotion regulation, and Self-management (COPES).
• To outline a hypothesized cyclical relationship between executive functioning, emotional regulation, and chronic pain in adolescents.
• To highlight the importance of this relationship for self-management behaviors and pain-related disability.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of existing literature.
• Critical exploration of executive functioning's role in adolescent chronic pain and self-management.
• Development of the COPES model based on the literature review.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests a cyclical relationship between chronic pain and impaired executive functioning in adolescents.
• The COPES model posits that immature executive functioning hinders self-management, increasing pain disability and perpetuating pain.
• Flexible parental support may moderate these effects, though evidence is limited by methodological issues.

Conclusions:

• The COPES model provides a framework for understanding the interplay of executive functioning, emotional regulation, and chronic pain in adolescents.
• Further theory-driven research is needed to validate and refine the COPES model.
• Enhanced understanding can inform the development of interventions to improve self-management and well-being in adolescents with chronic pain.