The Effect of Physical Pain on Depression and Resilience: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between physical pain, depression, and resilience in a convenient group of university students. Methods: A comparative, descriptive, and exploratory study was carried out. The sample comprised 2305 university students enrolled in the degrees of physiotherapy, nursing, medicine, and physical activity and sport sciences. The 'chronic pain assessment questionnaire', the 'brief resilience scale' and the 'depression, anxiety and stress scale' were used. Results: The results indicated that the model had an Incremental Fit Index = 0.94, a Comparative Fit Index = 0.93, a Normalised Fit Index = 0.91, and a Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation = 0.045. The value of X²(5) = 12.35 with p < 0.05 was also reported. These data support the validity of the theoretical model developed. The results indicate that physical pain has a negative effect on depression (β = 0.55, p < 0.001). Furthermore, statistically significant negative associations were found between pain and resilience (β = -0.40, p < 0.002). Finally, a negative relationship between resilience and depression was also observed (β = -0.35, p < 0.0039). Conclusions: New strategies and therapies need to be developed to improve the quality of life of patients with chronic pain.