Maladaptive Coping Strategies Research Articles

Medical and Psychological Intervention for Indian Adult Patients with Cancer: A Randomised Control Study

Background Contemporary cancer care primarily focuses on advanced biomedical treatments, often overlooking the psychological and social challenges associated with the illness (psychosocial factors). This oversight can undermine the efficacy of healthcare and subsequently impact the overall well-being of cancer patients. There is a widespread consensus among medical professionals that psychological factors play a crucial role in the care and treatment of cancer patients. Purpose The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of treatment as usual (TAU) and a combined intervention (CI) of TAU and psychological intervention (PI) on stress, coping strategies and quality of life among adult cancer patients. Methods The present study employed a pretest–post-test control group design comprising two groups—Group I (a control group involving TAU only) and Group II (an experimental group involving TAU and PI). In Group I ( n1 = 30), the patients with cancer were randomly selected from a pool of 105 cancer patients from three cancer types, lung cancer (LC), breast cancer (BC) and head/neck cancer (HNC), and were administered only TAU (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy and radiation‑hormonal therapy). In Group II ( n2 = 30), the participants were administered not only the regular TAU but also the PI involving psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and guided imagery. Three research instruments, namely QSC-R23, Brief Cope Inventory and EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0, were used for the present study. Results The study findings revealed that both TAU and CI resulted in positive outcomes across the measured variables. Notably, there was a decrease in stress levels and an improvement in coping strategies, encompassing problem-focused, emotion-focused and adaptive coping. Furthermore, participants showed a decreased reliance on maladaptive coping strategies and reported an enhanced quality of life, as evidenced by improvements in symptom scales. Conclusion The study indicated that combining PI with TAU resulted in better outcomes, highlighting the effectiveness of CI (TAU with PI) for cancer patients compared to TAU alone.

University students’ challenges and coping strategies in emergency remote teaching

This qualitative study focused on Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ challenges and their strategies to cope with those challenges in online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers employed a phenomenological approach and interviewed twelve EFL MA students at a university in Iran. The researchers analyzed the collected data by following Moustakas’ phenomenological data analysis procedure. This study’s findings revealed that most students dealt with individual, teaching-led, and contextual challenges in emergency remote teaching. Also, many students used some adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies to handle these challenges. The present study’s findings provide an opportunity for authorities and teachers to see the world from students’ viewpoints and better understand the students’ unique challenges and conditions to develop a humanizing culture in the universities, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experiences of the family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia in north Indian region: A qualitative inquiry

IntroductionFamily caregivers with schizophrenia struggle with psychological, social, and other challenges due to stigma, lack of adequate information, and maladaptive coping strategies. We aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers of persons with schizophrenia (PwS) to comprehend the emotional challenges and other burdens and coping strategies utilized. MethodsWe subscribed to a phenomenological approach and interviewed nine caregivers in-depth. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and translated from Hindi to English. Thematic analysis was performed using the seven-step Colaizzi's method. ATLAS.ti.22 was used for the analysis of the data. ResultsFive themes emerged from the data: 1) general understanding of schizophrenia, 2) emotional burden, 3) Disruption in personal and socio-occupational life, 4) challenges in caregiving, and 5) coping strategies. Caregiving adversely affected the quality of life socially and financially. Schizophrenia stigmatized families, trapped them in their homes, and left them no choice but to get support from informal networks. Also, caregivers experienced a lack of healthcare facilities in the vicinity and reported a substandard level of formal care. ConclusionGiving care to PwS entails financial, social, emotional, and physical burden. Feelings of frustration, helplessness, uncertainty, and loss are common. Transformation of personal, professional, and social life are usual consequence of caregiving. Generally, caregivers cope through addictions or spiritual means. Significant perceived requirements include a lack of knowledge about the condition and how to manage it as well as inadequate support services. Emotional and financial support and community support services near home may ease the burden of caregiving for PwS.

Phenomenology of Coping Strategies and Stress Among High School Adolescents

Stress cannot be avoided even by a teenager in high school. Some people use coping strategies to reduce stress. Coping strategies allow for more targeted and effective psychological interventions and will increase a person's ability to manage stress. The aim of this research is to analyze adolescents' coping strategies and stress. This research is a type of qualitative research using phenomenological methods. Research location High school. Determining research topics is inherently a snowball. The informants for this research were high school adolescents, teachers, and parents. The primary data collection technique involves conducting in-depth interviews using multiple informant interview guidelines. The process of data analysis includes: data reduction, data categorization, synthesis and ends with the development of a working hypothesis. Research findings revealed that adolescents are always stressed because stressors are always present in their lives. Internal and external sources of stress in adolescents have been found. Internal drivers of adolescent stress such as temperament, attachment, mastery, and self-determination processes. External factors observed in adolescents are social conditions, parental models and school processes. Several types of adolescent coping strategies have been shown to be adaptive and maladaptive. Adaptive coping strategies include reflection and self-reflection. Maladaptive coping strategies have been found to involve avoiding problems. Socialize to adolescents, parents and schools how to know adolescents better and help them in the developmental phase of searching for their own identity. The help of parents and stakeholders such as the school community is very important in this matter.

A Research to Examine the Stress Level and Coping Means Applied by Family Members of Patients With Cancer

One of the main causes of illness and disability worldwide nowadays is cancer. Both first and the second most common cause of mortality in the developed world are cancer-related illnesses. Individuals with a cancer diagnosis constitute a valuable subset within our society. Cancer's effects extend beyond the individual to include family and the community. The stress that caregivers go through is much the same as what cancer patients go through. As they accompany the patients on this journey, the family members are also adjusting to new roles and dealing with personal difficulties that may or may not be connected to the patient's condition. The health of the caregiver is impacted by stress while providing care. The study showed that 34(56.67%) of the samples were female, 23(38.33%) of the samples were in the age group of 29-38years, 49(81.66%) of the samples were married, Spouse were the care takers of cancer patients 25(41.66%), More than half of the caregivers caring the cancer patients for 3-12 months 35(58.33%). Moderate stress was experienced by 49(81.7%)of caregivers and 11(18.3%) of caregivers were experienced severe stress. 35(58.3%) of the caregivers used Adaptive coping strategy and 25 (41.6%) of them used Maladaptive coping strategy. Study concludes that 82% of the caregivers were having moderate stress and majority of the caregivers were using adaptive coping strategies to deal their stress.

A meta-analysis of coping strategies and psychological distress in rheumatoid arthritis.

Theory and research indicate that coping plays a central role in the experience of psychological distress in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study meta-analysed the associations of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies with psychological distress in people with RA to quantify and better understand the proposed differential relationships, as well as the factors that might influence these links. Searches of four databases identified eligible studies according to a pre-registered protocol. Two random effects meta-analyses examined the direction and magnitude of the links between adaptive coping (problem-focused and emotional approach coping) and maladaptive coping (emotional avoidance and pre-occupation coping) and psychological distress (stress, anxiety, and depression). Study quality was evaluated using a bespoke tool. Moderator analyses for sample characteristics and distress type were conducted. Searches identified 16 eligible studies with 46 effects. Meta-analysis of maladaptive coping and distress yielded a significant, medium sized association, k = 12, r = .347, 95% CIs [.23, .46]. Moderator analyses were significant only for type of distress, with effects for depression being larger than that for combined distress. Effects did not vary as a function of age, participant sex, or disease duration. Meta-analysis for adaptive coping was not significant, k = 10, r = -.155, 95% CIs [-.31, .01]. Findings from this first meta-analysis of coping and distress in RA indicate that maladaptive but not adaptive coping is associated with greater distress. Further research is needed to grow the evidence base to verify the current findings especially with respect to adaptive coping.

The mental health prognosis of offspring born of genocidal rape is influenced by family members, the community and their perceptions toward them.

There is little known about the family and community maltreatment of the offspring born of the genocidal rape and the offspring's self-perceptions and how they influence their recovery from mental health problems. This study aimed to examine how the mental health prognosis of these offspring could be influenced by the family or community perceptions and attitudes toward them and their self-perception and coping strategies. Thirty-two semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted on 16 dyads of mothers and their offspring who were selected from countrywide. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatims that were analysed inductively using thematic analysis within the NVivo 12 software. Participants reported long-term psychological and psychosomatic consequences stemming from being born of genocidal rape. Notably, family and community maltreatment of the offspring and their self-perception exacerbated psychological distress and affected their capacity to recover. The majority of the offspring were using coping strategies such as sole collaboration with peers with the same history, efforts to hide their birth history, social Isolation (silence, untrusting, involvement in media etc), hardworking, reversed roles in the parental relationship, extreme involvement in praying, and harmful alcohol use. Given the documented detrimental effects of individual, family and community attitudes and perceptions on psychological, and psychosomatic symptoms as well as the offspring coping strategies, culturally relevant mental health interventions are required to support the well-being and social reintegration of individuals born of genocidal rape while minimizing stigma and their maladaptive coping strategies.

Examining Coping Skills, Anxiety, and Depression Dynamics Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

This cross-sectional study, conducted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, delves into the intricate connections between coping strategies and levels of anxiety and depression, presenting vital implications for medical, clinical, and broader societal contexts. As crises like the pandemic highlight the importance of adaptive coping, this investigation underscores the imperative to comprehend and address maladaptive coping strategies. The study utilized a diverse sample of 386 participants during the pandemic's peak, employing online platforms for recruitment and ensuring broad demographic representation. Data were collected through self-report measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) for depression and anxiety symptoms and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) inventory to assess coping skills across various domains. The coping skills assessment measured strategies such as Self-Distraction, Active Coping, Denial, Substance Use, Emotional and Instrumental Support, Behavioral Disengagement, Venting, Positive Reframing, Planning, Humor, Acceptance, Religion, and Self-Blame. The Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board prioritized and approved ethical considerations, and participants provided informed consent. Data analysis involved rigorous cleaning, recoding, and quantitative analysis using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, regression analyses, and correlation analyses were employed to uncover nuanced relationships between coping strategies and mental health outcomes, contributing to understanding the phenomena under investigation within the context of the pandemic. The findings highlight the pivotal role of individualized approaches and the potential of humor as an essential coping mechanism, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions during crises.

Coping styles do not interact with the association between childhood trauma history and the immune-inflammatory phenotype of schizophrenia: Findings from a cross-sectional study

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a well-known risk factor of schizophrenia. Moreover, individuals with schizophrenia are likely to use maladaptive stress coping strategies. Although it has been reported that a history of ACEs might be associated with a pro-inflammatory phenotype in patients with schizophrenia, the interacting effect of coping styles on this association has not been tested so far. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the levels of immune-inflammatory markers in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls (HCs), taking into consideration a history of ACEs and coping strategies. Participants included 119 patients with schizophrenia and 120 HCs. Serum levels of 26 immune-inflammatory markers were determined. A history of any categories of ACEs was significantly more frequent in patients with schizophrenia. Moreover, patients with schizophrenia were significantly more likely to use emotion-focused coping and less likely to use active coping strategies compared to HCs. The levels of interleukin(IL)-6, RANTES, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), appeared to be elevated in patients with schizophrenia after adjustment for potential confounding factors in all tested models. Participants reporting a history of any ACEs had significantly higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6. No significant main and interactive effects of active strategies as the predominant coping on immune-inflammatory markers with altered levels in patients with schizophrenia were found. Findings from the present study indicate that ACEs are associated with elevated TNF-α and IL-6 levels regardless of schizophrenia diagnosis and predominant coping styles.

“The job changes you”: a reflexive thematic analysis of Australian correctional officer mental health

ABSTRACT Correctional officers (COs) work under stressful conditions and experience high rates of potentially psychologically traumatic critical incidents, and yet understanding of their mental health is limited. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore how correctional work impacts CO mental health. Twenty-two Australian COs (12 men, 10 women) working predominantly in high security prisons (91%) with male prison residents (50%) were interviewed about their mental health and workplace experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis of these interviews generated three key themes: the job changes you, it’s a stressful job, and coping strategies. Officers showed both positive and negative changes to their sense of self, daily functioning, and mental health which were generally consistent with experiences of psychological wellbeing, posttraumatic growth, and burnout. These changes were impacted by a variety of operational and organizational stressors and were managed through adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies like social support, humor, and alcohol consumption. The findings support existing theories of the non-dichotomous nature of mental health and mental illness. Along with deepening understandings of CO mental health, this study provides guidance on how COs can be supported to be healthy and productive in the workplace.

When life changes: use and effects of behavioral coping strategies among relatives of people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic posed risks to the wellbeing of different groups in society. This study focuses on relatives of people with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands. Their behavioral coping strategies, effects on psychological quality of life (QoL), and differences according to age, family relationship, and severity of disability were investigated. Methods Survey data of 284 relatives were analyzed. Differences in utilization of coping strategies were analyzed using a multivariate test of the means and paired t-tests. Variations according to background characteristics were analyzed using MANOVAs and multivariate regressions. Relations between coping and QoL – and differences according to characteristics – were analyzed using multiple and linear regressions. Results Seeking distraction and actively approaching were used most, followed by seeking social support and ignoring. Withdrawal was adopted the least. Seeking distraction and actively approaching were positively associated with QoL. Seeking social support and withdrawal were negative predictors. These associations were unaffected by relatives’ characteristics, while use of coping differed according to age and family relationship. Mothers made least use of adaptive coping. Conclusions Although relatives used more adaptive than maladaptive coping strategies, it is essential to offer interventions on effective coping and improving social support during life events to protect their QoL.

Illness Perception, Coping, and Self-Care Adherence Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Understanding the key factors in managing type 2 diabetes over the long term has become necessary. This study aims to explore the association between illness perception, coping, and self-care adherence among adults with type 2 diabetes and find the influence of illness perception and coping on self-care adherence. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 123 adults with type 2 diabetes aged between 30 and 55 years. The questionnaires included the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Brief COPE, Self-Care Inventory-Revised (SCI-R), and a personal information sheet. A significant correlation was found between illness perception, maladaptive and adaptive coping strategies, and self-care adherence. Adaptive coping, illness perception, and maladaptive coping strategies together explained a 59.9% variance in self-care adherence (F(3, 119) = 59.29, p < .001). The study highlights the importance of developing a less threatening perception of the illness and enhancing the practice of adaptive coping strategies for achieving better self-care adherence among people with type 2 diabetes. This study signifies the need for a collaborative approach by healthcare professionals, mental health providers, and policymakers to provide accurate diabetes self-management knowledge and develop interventions tailored to individuals’ needs.

Does coping style mediate the relationship between knowledge and psychosocial outcomes in women with atrial fibrillation?

In patients affected by atrial fibrillation (AF) disease-specific knowledge and coping style may be associated with psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to determine if coping style (problem-focused, emotion-focused, avoidance-focused) mediated the relationship between patient knowledge and three psychosocial outcomes (anxiety, depression and life satisfaction). In 2021a total of 188 women with reported AF, and ages ranging from 18 to 83 years (mean 48.7, sd 15.5 years), completed an online questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic, clinical and AF knowledge questions and psychosocial instruments (Anxiety and depression, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) scale; life satisfaction, Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS); and coping style (Brief COPE). Using Jamovi statistical software three individual mediational models (for anxiety, depression and life satisfaction) were constructed assessing the direct and indirect relationships between knowledge, coping style and each psychosocial outcome. Age was a covariate in each model. The mediation analyses demonstrated significant direct negative associations between AF knowledge and HADS anxiety and depression and positive associations with SWLS. There were also direct associations between each of the three coping styles and the three psychosocial outcomes. There were significant indirect effects of coping style between AF knowledge and each of the three outcomes confirming partial mediation effects. These findings highlight the crucial role of coping style in mediating the association between AF knowledge and psychosocial outcomes. As such, interventions aimed at increasing patient knowledge of AF may be more effective if adaptive problem-solving coping strategies are also demonstrated to these patients. Additionally, modification of maladaptive coping strategies as part of the psychological management of patients with AF is highly recommended.

Occupational stress and stress management among female and male trainees

The transition from school to professional life is asignificant event for adolescents and young adults. It is not uncommon for fears or feelings of being overwhelmed to arise during this transitional period. Against this backdrop, the article examines the subjective stress experiences of trainees, with special consideration given to gender and various occupational settings. From seven Bavarian vocational schools, 1209 students were surveyed. Stress experiences, coping strategies, psychological and physical complaints, as well as occupational burdens were assessed. Relationships between demographic characteristics, professional settings, and stress experiences were investigated through bivariate and multivariate analyses. Female students report higher levels of stress and are more likely to use emotion-regulating stress coping strategies. Men more frequently attempt to compensate for stress through alcohol and drugs. Differences in stress burden between occupational groups are only evident in bivariate analysis. In multivariate analyses, the gender effect remains highly significant. Negative occupational demands and maladaptive coping strategies significantly promote the experience of stress. The results suggest that asignificant proportion of respondents perceive the training conditions as burdensome, are exposed to health risks, and respond inadequately to stress. The establishment of additional prevention programs in both the training company and in vocational school would be desirable.

The health consequences of loneliness

In this paper, through a thematic literature review of recent studies, our objective was to explore the impact of loneliness and its effects on health. We emphasize the human need for a sense of belonging and societal inclusion. We further discuss the link of loneliness to physiological alterations, to the development and exacerbation of mental health conditions, the influence it has on cognitive processes, and the role it plays in contributing to maladaptive coping strategies. Contrary to the feelings of loneliness, solitude and its benefits for self-reflection and personal growth are explored. The prevalence of loneliness and its cultural similarities and differences are discussed at a global level. Moreover, this review explores the intricate relationship between loneliness and various health outcomes, including chronic illness and mortality risks. It further emphasizes the importance of acknowledging loneliness as a public health concern and the need for interventions at the individual and societal level to mitigate its adverse effects.

PSYCHO-SOCIAL IMPACT AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTE IN NORTH CHENNAI

Objective: To assess the psycho-social impact of psoriasis and the quality of life (QoL) among psoriasis patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 140 done in a dermatology outpatient clinic in a tertiary care institution in North Chennai. The dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was the primary tool for assessing QoL. Results: The study participants’ mean±SD DLQI score was 8.84±4.59. Out of 140 patients, 32.9% had severely affected QoL with a DLQI score >10. About 81.4% of study participants felt embarrassed due to their skin lesions, and marital life was affected by 36.4%. Suicidal thoughts and alcohol addiction (for coping up) were found to be prevalent among 12.9% of the subjects, both of which were maladaptive coping strategies. It was found that patients with DLQI scores of 10 or more tend to cling to alcohol as a coping mechanism, and this association is statistically significant. Further, a significant association was also noted between the site of the lesion and marital life getting affected by psoriasis. (x2=9.893, p=0.042). Conclusion: Patients with psoriasis are subjected to an intricate web of physical and psycho-emotional challenges. Hence, the physician offering chronic follow-up care to those patients needs to adopt a holistic strategy to address their continuing medical and psychosocial needs.

Watching the fall of Roe v. Wade: Media exposure relates to U.S. women's alcohol use intentions.

The Supreme Court of the United States' decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in June 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade and ended federal protection of abortion rights. Given the drastic policy changes as a result of the ruling and high exposure to media related to abortion, women opposed to the decision may have experienced distress, which could trigger maladaptive coping strategies, such as alcohol use. The present research examined how consuming abortion-related media in the weeks following the Dobbs decision impacted alcohol use intentions among women of reproductive age residing in the 13 "trigger law" states that immediately restricted abortion access. A sample of 196 women (Mage = 30.52, SD = 6.9) residing in trigger law states answered questions about abortion-related media consumption, views toward the Dobbs ruling, negative affect, and alcohol use intentions. Consuming more abortion-related media predicted higher alcohol use intentions for women who opposed the ruling, but not those who were in favor of abortion restrictions. This timely study provides evidence of how the Dobbs ruling is associated with health ramifications beyond reproduction, yielding insights about how high media exposure to large-scale, distressing events may put those most affected-women of reproductive age in states that enacted new policies restricting abortion access-at risk for alcohol use. Findings highlight an imperative direction for future research as abortion restrictions continue to be spotlighted in U.S. media and state legislatures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Our Life Is a Rollercoaster! A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Exploring the Impact of IBD on Family Members.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly impacts patients and their families. To provide support, understanding the effects on the wider family is crucial. However, limited research exists on the impact of IBD on family members of adults diagnosed with IBD. This study addresses this knowledge gap. Underpinned by interpretive phenomenology, this study used in-depth, semi-structured online interviews to explore relatives' experiences. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Forty-three purposively selected interviewees comprising 17 people with IBD and 26 family members (parents, children, siblings, and partners) revealed 3 main themes: (1) "life is a rollercoaster," (2) "there have been a lot of bridges to cross along the way," and (3) "my life would be better if…" Participants highlighted that IBD has both positive and negative impacts on family members in terms of emotional well-being, relationship, roles and responsibilities, day-to-day burden, and sibling suffering. Some employed adaptive coping strategies such as creating social networks and open communication, while others relied on maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance and alcohol abuse. Family members expressed the need for proactive communication, information, and support from healthcare professionals. IBD affects the emotional and psychosocial well-being of family members, eliciting both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies. Healthcare professionals need to adopt a holistic approach to managing IBD that considers the psychosocial and emotional challenges faced by individuals and their families.

The Coping Strategies and Cumulative Changes in Intensive Care Unit Nurses after Experiencing Professional Grief: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study

Background. Compared to nurses in other hospital departments, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses have more frequent exposure to patient deaths, potentially rendering them more susceptible to experiencing professional grief following patient fatalities. Objective. To explore the coping experiences of ICU nurses following their encounter with professional grief. Methods. This study utilized a qualitative research design based on Heideggerian phenomenology. A purposive sample of 18 ICU nurses was selected from six tertiary hospitals in Guangdong Province, China. Individual semistructured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed texts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results. Two main themes emerged: (1) short-term dual coping with professional grief and (2) long-term cumulative changes from professional grief. These themes reflect the dynamic coping processes experienced by ICU nurses amidst frequent encounters with loss and grief during their clinical work. Conclusions. ICU nurses employ both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies to address professional grief, significantly impacting their personal and professional well-being. It is advisable to offer targeted education and organizational support systems for ICU nurses to promote positive cumulative growth when they repeatedly encounter patient deaths.

Cognitive, behavioral, and psychological phenotypes in small fiber neuropathy: A case–control study

ObjectiveSmall fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a well-defined chronic painful condition causing severe individual and societal burden. While mood disorders have been described, cognitive and behavioral profiles of SFN patients has not been investigated. MethodsThirty-four painful SFN patients underwent comprehensive cognitive, behavioral, psychological, quality of life (QoL), and personality assessment using validated questionnaires. As control samples, we enrolled 36 patients with painful peripheral neuropathy (PPN) of mixed etiology and 30 healthy controls (HC). Clinical measures of neuropathic pain, duration, frequency, and intensity of pain at the time of assessment were recorded. Between-group and correlation analyses were performed and corrected for multiple comparisons. ResultsNo differences in clinical measures were found between SFN and PPN, and all groups had similar cognitive profiles. SFN patients showed higher levels of anxiety and alexithymia (p < .005) compared to PPN and HC, considering also pain intensity. Maladaptive coping strategies characterized both patient groups, but only SFN revealed higher levels of acceptance of pain (p < .05). Pain intensity and neuropathic symptoms were associated with mood, low QoL and catastrophism (p < .001), particularly, the higher the perceived pain intensity, the higher the use of maladaptive coping strategies (p < .001). The personality assessment revealed significant feelings of worthlessness and somatization traits both in SFN and PPN (p < .002 vs HC). Discussionsour results suggest that SFN patients had a normal-like cognitive profile, while their behavioral profile is characterized by mood disorders, alexithymia, maladaptive coping strategies, and poor QoL, as other chronic pain conditions, possibly related to pain intensity. Personality assessment suggests that somatization and feelings of worthlessness, which may worsen the neuropsychological profile, deserve clinical attention when considering patients' therapeutic approaches. At the same time, the high level of acceptance of pain is promising for therapeutic approaches based on psychological support.