[Role of cognitive pain coping strategies for depression in chronic back pain. Path analysis of patients in primary care].

BACKGROUND

The concurrent occurrence of chronic pain syndromes and depressive symptoms is a commonly observed phenomenon.The aim of the present study was to illuminate the mediating role of specific cognitive pain coping strategies as a connective link between pain and depression.

METHODS

A total of 122 chronic and chronic recurrent simple back pain patients were examined in view of the connection between pain, cognitive pain coping strategies, and depression.

RESULTS

The results of the path analysis support the assumption of a mediating effect of cognitive coping strategies between pain and depression (GFI = 0.99; AGFI = 0.96). It could be shown, that cognitive coping mediates the link between pain and depression in back pain patients.

CONCLUSION

The results give further support for the cognitive mediation hypothesis and enhance it by pointing out the role of specific pain-related cognitive appraisals.