Are attitudes about pain related to coping strategies used by adolescents in the community?

Background and aims To better understand the associations between pain beliefs and pain coping strategies in a sample of community adolescents. Methods Four hundred and thirty-four adolescents were asked to complete measures of physical function, pain-related beliefs and use of pain coping strategies. A series of three hierarchical regression analyses were performed. Results Approach coping strategies demonstrated significant and positive associations with beliefs about the importance of solicitousness responding and control over pain. Problem-focused avoidance coping strategies evidenced a negative association with the belief of being disabled by pain, and a positive association with the importance of exercise. Emotion-focused avoidance coping strategies showed significant and positive associations with beliefs about being disabled by pain and that emotions affect pain, and negative associations with beliefs about control over pain and the appropriateness of pain medications. Conclusions The findings provide important new information regarding the potential role that beliefs could play as predictors of pain coping in adolescents living in the community. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the possible causal role that beliefs play in decisions to use what pain coping strategy and under what circumstances. Implications The role that pain beliefs and coping strategies play in the adjustment to pain in adolescents in the community has both similarities to and differences with the role that these factors play in adolescent clinical populations. This information can guide the development of community-based treatment programs for adolescents with pain.