Psychologische Aspekte bei chronischen rheumatischen Schmerzen: Einige Ergebnisse zum Zusammenhang zwischen Schmerz, subjektiver Beeinträchtigung und ausgewählten Bewältigungsformen

Abstract

Pain experience, subjective strain, modes of coping with pain as well as some objective aspects of illness were measured in a sample of 332 patients suffering from various rheumatic diseases and pain for at least 6 months. No or very weak relationships were found between the illness variables (a) duration of pain, (b) diagnosis, and (c) intensity rating of illness on the one hand, and pain experience as well as three dimensions of strain ([a] pain related depression and helplessness, [b] anger, [c] exaggerated complaints) on the other hand. However, significant positive correlations were found between pain experience and the three dimensions of strain mentioned. Coping with pain was assessed by four scales: Imagination, relaxation, counter activities, and self-encouragement. Counter activities and subjective strain correlate negatively with each other, whereas a positive correlation was found between relaxation and strain. Imagination and self-encouragement exercises a moderating effect on the relation between pain experience and subjective strain: If these modes of coping are not used, pain experience and subjective strain are closely related, whereas no or only a weak relationship between pain experience and strain exists for subjects who make use of these coping modes.