Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Burn Injury-Induced Pain and Depression-Like Behavior in Mice
Published on: September 29, 2021
The role of purpose in life in the relationship between pain interference and depressive symptoms
Addison D Monroe1, Alyson Chin1
1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Depression is common in people living with chronic pain and likely explained by pain interference over pain severity. Purpose in life is a psychological resource and shares correlates with pain and depression. In the present cross-sectional study, we aimed to understand the relative associations of pain severity and interference to depressive symptoms and further explore the potential for purpose in life to mediate these relationships. A sample of 104 adults living with chronic pain completed the study assessments. Results showed that pain interference was significantly associated with depressive symptoms beyond pain severity. Consistent with the mediation model, purpose in life partially accounted for the relationship between pain interference and depressive symptoms when controlling for pain severity. Pain interference, more than severity, may be important for understanding depressive symptoms. Furthermore, purpose in life may help to explain this relationship, providing clinicians with a modifiable target for treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Nociception
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Factors Affecting Perception
An illustrative example of a perceptual set is the scenario where an airline pilot told...
