A Latent Profile Analysis of Psychological, Personality, and Religious Characteristics in Iranian Adults With Chronic...

This study aimed to identify distinct psychological profiles among individuals with chronic pain in Iran using latent profile analysis (LPA) and to examine the role of psychological, personality, and religious characteristics in the experience and management of chronic pain.

The study population consisted of male and female patients with chronic pain in Tehran Province in 2024. A total of 541 patients with chronic pain (307 females and 234 males) were selected through convenience sampling based on the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection involved using questionnaires on demographic characteristics, grading the severity of chronic pain, temperament and character, post-traumatic stress, learned helplessness, alexithymia, depression, anxiety and stress, pain catastrophizing, and religious orientation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27 and R Version 4.4.1.

Three latent profiles of Iranian adults with chronic pain were identified. Profile 1 (n = 257), moderate pain intensity/psychologically vulnerable, showed elevated psychological distress, catastrophizing, helplessness, and lower religious orientation. Profile 2 (n = 204), low pain intensity/balanced and religious, demonstrated the lowest levels of pain and psychological difficulties alongside higher religious orientation and character scores. Profile 3 (n = 80), high pain intensity/relatively resilient, reported the highest pain intensity but comparatively moderate psychological difficulties, suggesting greater resilience despite severe pain.

The results highlight that psychological, personality, and religious characteristics play a significant role in the experience and management of chronic pain. These findings could help in developing personalized treatment strategies and improving the mental health and quality of life of patients.