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Adaptation and Vulnerability in Chronic Pain: A Study of Profiles Based on Clinical and Psychological Factors

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Adaptation and Vulnerability in Chronic Pain: A Study of Profiles Based on Clinical and Psychological Factors
Authors: Juan José Mora-Ascó, Carmen Moret-Tatay, María José Jorques-Infante, María José Beneyto-Arrojo
Source: European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, Vol 15, Iss 9, p 168 (2025)
Publisher Information: MDPI AG, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Public aspects of medicine
LCC:Psychology
Subject Terms: chronic pain, coping profiles, psychological factors, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270, Psychology, BF1-990
Description: Introduction. Chronic pain (CP) is a multidimensional condition that exerts a considerable impact on individuals’ quality of life and presents a wide range of clinical and psychological expressions. This study sought, firstly, to identify distinct clinical profiles among individuals with CP based on clinical indicators, and secondly, to examine the differences in psychological vulnerability and pain-related coping strategies according to the clinical profiles. Methods. A total of 251 adults diagnosed with CP and residing in Spain participated in the study. Participants completed the Purpose in Life Test, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Pain Coping Questionnaire. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups within the sample, followed by independent samples t-tests to assess psychological differences between clusters. Results. This study identified two clinical profiles among individuals with CP, distinguished by diagnostic delay, disease progression, and functional impact. Cluster 1 exhibited greater functional impairment, lower quality of life, and higher emotional distress (uncertainty, perceived burdensomeness, emotional dysregulation, and hopelessness). In contrast, Cluster 2 showed lower functional impairment, better quality of life, greater use of distraction strategies, and a higher meaning in life. Discussion. These findings suggest that both medical and psychological aspects appear to be associated with each other and may influence the perception, evolution and adaptation to CP.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
Spanish; Castilian
ISSN: 2254-9625
2174-8144
Relation: https://www.mdpi.com/2254-9625/15/9/168; https://doaj.org/toc/2174-8144; https://doaj.org/toc/2254-9625
DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe15090168
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/113383b1810940b8b7c92acb9528d6a6
Accession Number: edsdoj.113383b1810940b8b7c92acb9528d6a6
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:Introduction. Chronic pain (CP) is a multidimensional condition that exerts a considerable impact on individuals’ quality of life and presents a wide range of clinical and psychological expressions. This study sought, firstly, to identify distinct clinical profiles among individuals with CP based on clinical indicators, and secondly, to examine the differences in psychological vulnerability and pain-related coping strategies according to the clinical profiles. Methods. A total of 251 adults diagnosed with CP and residing in Spain participated in the study. Participants completed the Purpose in Life Test, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Pain Coping Questionnaire. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups within the sample, followed by independent samples t-tests to assess psychological differences between clusters. Results. This study identified two clinical profiles among individuals with CP, distinguished by diagnostic delay, disease progression, and functional impact. Cluster 1 exhibited greater functional impairment, lower quality of life, and higher emotional distress (uncertainty, perceived burdensomeness, emotional dysregulation, and hopelessness). In contrast, Cluster 2 showed lower functional impairment, better quality of life, greater use of distraction strategies, and a higher meaning in life. Discussion. These findings suggest that both medical and psychological aspects appear to be associated with each other and may influence the perception, evolution and adaptation to CP.
ISSN:22549625
21748144
DOI:10.3390/ejihpe15090168