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Cited by 835Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitationOptimism, Hope, and Well-beingPediatric Pain Management Techniques

Coping with chronic pain: a critical review of the literature

Jensen, Mark P., Turner, Judith A., Romano, Joan M., Karoly, Paul·1991·Pain
DOI 10.1016/0304-3959(91)90216-k
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Abstract

A growing number of investigators have used models of stress and coping to help explain the differences in adjustment found among persons who experience chronic pain. This article reviews the empirical research which has examined the relationships among beliefs, coping, and adjustment to chronic pain. Although preliminary, some consistent findings are beginning to emerge. For example, patients who believe they can control their pain, who avoid catastrophizing about their condition, and who believe they are not severely disabled appear to function better than those who do not. Such beliefs may mediate some of the relationships between pain severity and adjustment. Although coping strategies appear to be associated with adjustment in chronic pain patients, methodological problems limit conclusions regarding the strength and nature of this association. Our recommendations for future research include the development of coping and belief measures which: (1) do not confound different dimensions (e.g., coping, beliefs, and adjustment) in the same measure; (2) assess specific (rather than composite) constructs; (3) are psychometrically sound; and (4) assess behavioral coping strategies more objectively. We also recommend a greater use of experimental research designs to examine causal relationships among appraisals, coping, and adjustment.

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131 of 131 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Similar to other outcomes reported in the literature, several participants from the present study commented on the difficulty in engaging with the intervention when their pain level was higher than usual.

    “Similar to other outcomes reported in the literature 36 , several participants from the present study commented on the difficulty in engaging with the intervention when their pain level was higher than usual.”

    From The Effectiveness of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Self-help Intervention for Chronic Pain. (2010) · cites this paper as [36]

  • Evidence indicates that pain catastrophizing is an important predictor of pain outcomes even after controlling for depression.

    “evidence indicates that pain catastrophizing is an important predictor of pain outcomes even after controlling for depression.27,30,42,48,118”

    From Psychological aspects of persistent pain: Current state of the science (2004) · cites this paper as [42]

  • Pain coping strategies can be reliably assessed.

    “pain coping strategies can be reliably assessed”

    From Psychological aspects of persistent pain: Current state of the science (2004) · cites this paper as [42]

  • Patients vary considerably in the use and perceived effectiveness of their pain coping efforts.

    “patients vary considerably in the use and perceived effectiveness of their pain coping efforts”

    From Psychological aspects of persistent pain: Current state of the science (2004) · cites this paper as [42]

  • Variations in pain coping are significantly related to pain, psychological distress, physical function, and pain behavior.

    “variations in pain coping are significantly related to pain, psychological distress, physical function, and pain behavior.42,59,123”

    From Psychological aspects of persistent pain: Current state of the science (2004) · cites this paper as [42]

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Authors
Jensen, M. P., Turner, J. A., Romano, J. M., & Karoly, P.
Affiliations
  • University of Washington Medical Center (US)
  • Arizona State University (US)
Corresponding author
Jensen, Mark P.
ORCID
Venue
Pain
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Published
1991-12
Volume
47
Issue
3
Pages
249-283
ISSN
0304-3959 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/0304-3959(91)90216-k
OpenAlex
W2017358503
Cited by
835
References
131
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 19 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 21 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 23 · 2014: 28 · 2013: 28 · 2012: 22
FWCI
3.28
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Pain (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • National Institutes of Health (5f32ns008545-02)
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NS08545)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Pediatric Pain Management Techniques
Keywords
chronic pain, coping strategies, pain beliefs, catastrophizing, attitudes toward disability, pain intensity, stress and coping model
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Chronic Disease, Humans, Pain, Pain Measurement, Prognosis, Stress, Psychological

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