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Hope, Optimism, and Clinical Pain: A Meta-Analysis
Mackenzie L Shanahan1, Ian C Fischer1, Adam T Hirsh1
1Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Summary
Hope and optimism are linked to better pain outcomes. This meta-analysis shows these positive expectancies correlate with lower pain severity and psychological dysfunction, and improved physical functioning in clinical pain populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pain Research
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Generalized expectancies are theorized to influence pain outcomes.
- Previous empirical findings on this relationship have been inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the relationship between hope and optimism and pain-related outcomes.
- To examine associations with pain severity, physical functioning, and psychological dysfunction in clinical pain.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 96 studies.
- Inclusion of 31,780 participants with diverse pain diagnoses.
- Utilized random-effects models for analysis.
Main Results:
- Hope and optimism showed negative correlations with pain severity.
- Both expectancies positively correlated with physical functioning.
- Hope and optimism were negatively correlated with psychological dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Hope and optimism are similarly associated with more adaptive pain-related outcomes.
- Further research should explore interventions targeting hope and optimism to alleviate clinical pain.
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