title: Understanding catastrophizing from a misdirected problem-solving perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim is to explore pain catastrophizing from a problem-solving perspective. The links between catastrophizing, problem framing, and problem-solving behaviour are examined through two possible models of mediation as inferred by two contemporary and complementary theoretical models, the misdirected problem solving model (Eccleston & Crombez, 2007) and the fear-anxiety-avoidance model (Asmundson, Norton, & Vlaeyen, 2004).
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective study, a general population sample (n= 173) with perceived problems with spinal pain filled out questionnaires twice; catastrophizing and problem framing were assessed on the first occasion and health care seeking (as a proxy for medically oriented problem solving) was assessed 7 months later.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two different approaches were used to explore whether the data supported any of the proposed models of mediation. First, multiple regressions were used according to traditional recommendations for mediation analyses. Second, a bootstrapping method (n= 1000 bootstrap resamples) was used to explore the significance of the indirect effects in both possible models of mediation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results verified the concepts included in the misdirected problem solving model. However, the direction of the relations was more in line with the fear-anxiety-avoidance model. More specifically, the mediation analyses provided support for viewing catastrophizing as a mediator of the relation between biomedical problem framing and medically oriented problem-solving behaviour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings provide support for viewing catastrophizing from a problem-solving perspective and imply a need to examine and address problem framing and catastrophizing in back pain patients.
authors: Center for Health and Medical Psychology, School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, Sweden. ida.flink@oru.se
authors: Ida K
authors: IK
authors: Flink
authors: Katja
authors: K
authors: Boersma
authors: Shane
authors: S
authors: MacDonald
authors: Steven J
authors: SJ
authors: Linton
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D001416:Back Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D058443:Catastrophization / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011340:Problem Solving; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires