title: The effect of message framing on self-management of chronic pain: a new perspective on intervention?
abstract: This study examines framed messages as a novel approach to promote self-management of chronic pain. Primary care patients reporting chronic pain (pain rated ≥ 4 on 0-10 NRS-I for ≥3 months) were randomly assigned to receive a gain- or loss-framed message promoting self-management of pain. Impact of the framed message on behavioural self-management (including communicating with providers, relaxation, activity pacing, pleasant activities and healthy lifestyle) was assessed. Post-message, individuals in the loss-frame condition reported significantly greater interest in and more knowledge gained from the information presented in the message (p≤0.03). Loss-frame participants were significantly more likely to express confidence that they would practice relaxation (p≤0.03). Pain readiness to change, pain self-efficacy and message frame independently influenced motivation to engage in relaxation as a self-management strategy. Across all behaviours assessed, there were no observed interactions between message frame and either pain self-efficacy or pain readiness to change (p>0.05). Framing may be useful to promote pain self-management; larger trials are needed to fully evaluate its potential and to further assess the applicability of framed communication to impact a broader range of chronic conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4495, USA. e.janke@usp.edu
authors.forename: E Amy
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Janke
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Spring
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Weaver
mesh_terms: D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care