The Power of Spiritual Well-Being: Its Relationship with Pain Intensity, Pain Management, and Pain Catastrophizing in Individuals with Chronic Pain

Abstract

BackgroundChronic pain negatively affects human life. Chronic pain is multidimensional. Therefore, a multidimensional approach that focuses on the biologic, psychological, sociologic, and spiritual needs of patients is required in pain management. AimThis study was conducted to determine the relationship of spiritual well-being with the level of pain catastrophizing, pain intensity, and pain management in individuals with chronic pain. MethodsThe snowball sampling method was used in the research and the data were collected by individuals with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis who had chronic pain via an online survey form. The study was completed between March and May 2023 with the participation of 399 people. The data of the study were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Three-Factor Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Numerical Rating Scale. ResultsThere was a negative, high-level correlation between the spiritual well-being and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and its subscales. At the same time, there was a negative, weak level correlation between the levels of spiritual well-being and the pain intensity. Spiritual Well-Being Scale scores differ according to the method used in pain management. Spiritual well-being and pain intensity explain 68% of the total variance in pain catastrophizing. ConclusionsThe results of this research show that there may be a relationship between increased spirituality and reduced perceptions of pain in this population.