Catastrophizing, acceptance, and interference: laboratory findings, subjective report, and pain willingness as a moderator.
OBJECTIVE
The present study investigated the effects of both catastrophizing and the pain willingness component of acceptance on interference in daily activities and task performance during experimentally induced ischemic pain. In addition, the potential moderating role of pain willingness on the relationship between catastrophizing and degree of pain interference was also examined.


METHODS
Sixty-seven persons with chronic low back pain completed measures of catastrophizing, acceptance, and daily pain interference. Participants underwent an ischemic pain induction procedure during which a Stroop-like task was administered.


METHODS
Self-reported pain interference and observed performance on a Stroop-like task during induced pain.


RESULTS
The pain willingness component of acceptance and catastrophizing both contributed significantly to self-reports of pain interference. However, levels of pain willingness had an effect much stronger than the negative effects associated with catastrophizing with respect to observed pain interference during induced pain. Results also indicated that pain willingness serves as a moderator in the relationship between catastrophizing and task performance during induced pain.


CONCLUSIONS
The pain willingness factor of acceptance and catastrophizing both appear to be strong predictors for self-reported pain interference. During an objective assessment of pain interference, however, pain willingness shows a stronger effect and attenuates the negative impact of catastrophizing on task functioning.
Richardson
Elizabeth J
EJ
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35249-7330, USA. ejrichar@uab.edu
Ness
Timothy J
TJ
Doleys
Daniel M
DM
Baños
James H
JH
Cianfrini
Leanne
L
Richards
J Scott
JS
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D057190:Stroop Test; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult