(198) Cognitive Intrusion of Pain as a Mediator of the Relationship between Pain Catastrophizing and Driving Outcomes among Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common pain conditions worldwide. Prior research has found that pain catastrophizing (a negative orientation toward pain experience) is associated with negative CLBP outcomes. Recent work has also demonstrated that pain catastrophizing is associated with negative outcomes in the context of driving among individuals with CLBP (greater pain, distractibility, and driving errors). One process by which pain catastrophizing may be related to negative outcomes while driving with CLBP is through attentional interference by pain. Accordingly, the current study examined whether cognitive intrusion by pain mediates the relationship between pain catastrophizing and driving outcomes among 315 participants with CLBP (159 female, Mean age=35.16 years, SD=10.52). Participants rated their average pain intensity and disability (Pain Disability Index), as well as how much driving escalated their pain intensity and distractibility due to pain while driving. Frequency of driving errors and violations was recorded using the Driving Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ). Participants also completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Experience of Cognitive Intrusion of Pain Scale (ECIP; modified for driving). In line with previous research, participants with higher PCS scores reported greater pain intensity and disability (r's=.26-.47, all p's