A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Facets of Psychological Flexibility in a Sample of People Seeking Treatment for Chronic Pain.

Whitney Scott,Lance M Mccracken,Sam Norton

doi:10.1007/s12160-015-9752-x

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence supports the validity of individual components of the psychological flexibility model in the context of chronic pain. However, there is a need to test the inter-relationships amongst measures of individual components of psychological flexibility in a more integrative manner. In particular, research is needed to examine whether a model with discrete facets as proposed is indeed reflected in data from currently used assessment measures in people with chronic pain.PurposeThis cross-sectional study investigated the underlying structure of measures of processes of psychological flexibility amongst individuals with chronic pain and the associations between this measurement model and patient functioning.MethodsFive-hundred and seventy-three adults with chronic pain completed measures of pain, physical and social functioning, mental health, depression and processes of psychological flexibility, including acceptance, cognitive defusion, decentering and committed action. Confirmatory factor analyses tested lower-order, higher-order and bifactor models to examine the structure of psychological flexibility process measures.ResultsA single general factor reflecting openness explained variability in items across all of the psychological flexibility process measures. In addition to this general factor, distinct decentering and committed action group factors emerged in the data. As expected, the general factor was strongly correlated with measures of social functioning, mental health and depression.ConclusionsFuture research is needed to determine the most useful means by which the presence of the general factor can be reflected in the measurement and theory of psychological flexibility.

Highlights

The importance of psychological factors in the development and maintenance of chronic pain and associated disability is virtually established
Background Evidence supports the validity of individual components of the psychological flexibility model in the context of chronic pain
Confirmatory factor analyses tested lower-order, higher-order and bifactor models to examine the structure of psychological flexibility process measures

Summary

Introduction

The importance of psychological factors in the development and maintenance of chronic pain and associated disability is virtually established. For the past 30 years, cognitivebehavioural models of pain and disability have been largely successful in guiding psychological research into chronic pain and contributing to this achievement [1, 2]. Research is needed to examine whether a model with discrete facets as proposed is reflected in data from currently used assessment measures in people with chronic pain. Purpose This cross-sectional study investigated the underlying structure of measures of processes of psychological flexibility amongst individuals with chronic pain and the associations between this measurement model and patient functioning. The general factor was strongly correlated with measures of social functioning, mental health and depression

Objectives

Results

Conclusion