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Information processing and affective distress in osteoarthritis patients
K J Calfas1, R E Ingram, R M Kaplan
1Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, California 92120, USA.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|August 1, 1997
Summary
This study found that osteoarthritis patients selectively process information to fit their self-schema. A non-somatic measure better differentiated depressive cognitive structures and affective distress in chronic pain patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Medical Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Affective distress and chronic illnesses share a recognized link.
- Depressive symptomatology in chronic pain patients is a growing research focus.
- Osteoarthritis patients often experience significant affective distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine depressive information processing in osteoarthritis patients.
- To assess the impact of somatic items on depression measures on observed associations between information processing and affective distress.
- To understand the cognitive mechanisms underlying affective distress in chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- Forty osteoarthritis patients were recruited.
- The Beck Depression Inventory was administered.
- A non-self-report measure of depressive self-schemas was utilized.
Main Results:
- Depressive cognitive structures were better differentiated by a non-somatic measure of affective distress.
- Individuals demonstrated selective information processing aligned with their active self-schema.
- The presence of somatic items may influence the assessment of affective distress.
Conclusions:
- Information processing in osteoarthritis is influenced by self-schemas.
- Non-somatic depression measures may offer clearer insights into affective distress.
- Understanding cognitive biases is crucial for managing chronic pain and associated distress.