A-76 Coping Style Moderates the Effect of Pain on Depression in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Abstract Objective The present study examined coping style as a possible moderator in the relationship between pain and depression in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Method Fifty-four PwMS (38 female) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and psychosocial questionnaires. Pain was measured using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and indices of pain severity and pain interference were derived. Active coping and avoidant coping scores were derived from the COPE Questionnaire. The Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS) was used to measure depression. Results Regression analyses revealed that the interactions between pain severity and both avoidant (p = 0.005) and active (p = 0.004) coping composites significantly predicted depression. Simple effects tests revealed that pain severity predicted depression in PwMS with low active coping (p < 0.001) and high avoidant coping (p < 0.001), but not high active coping or low avoidant coping. The interactions between pain interference and both avoidant (p = 0.02) and active (p = 0.008) coping composites also significantly predicted depression. Simple effects tests revealed that pain interference predicted depression in PwMS with low active coping (p < 0.001), high active coping, (p = 0.048), and high avoidant coping (p < 0.001), but not low avoidant coping. Conclusions We found that coping style moderated the relationship between pain and depression in MS. Pain severity and pain interference predicted depression in PwMS who exhibited less active and more avoidant coping. Interventions that aim to reduce avoidant coping and increase active coping skills may be useful in improving affective outcomes in PwMS.