The role of coping responses in the relationship between perceived stress and satisfaction with life amongst chronic pain patients

Authors

  • Stephen Peter Walker University of the Free State
  • Karel Esterhuyse University of the Free State
  • Lurene van Lill University of the Free State

Keywords:

coping, perceived stress, satisfaction with life, chronic pain

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the effect of coping responses on the relationship between perceived stress and satisfaction with life in a sample of chronic pain patients. Methods: One hundred and seventy-two adult outpatients at the Pain Control Unit at Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein completed measures of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), satisfaction with life (Satisfaction with Life Scale) and coping responses (Coping Responses Inventory – Adult Version). Descriptive statistics were calculated for the sample. Correlation coefficients were calculated between perceived stress and satisfaction with life. Regression analyses were employed to determine the effect of coping responses on the relationship between perceived stress and satisfaction with life. Results: A statistically significant negative correlation was found between perceived stress and satisfaction with life. Approach coping moderates the relationship between perceived stress and satisfaction with life, while avoidance coping has no effect on the relationship. The relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction therefore appears to change as a function of the level of approach coping that patients with chronic pain exhibit. Conclusion: Approach coping moderates the relationship between perceived stress and satisfaction with life amongst chronic pain patients.

Author Biographies

Stephen Peter Walker, University of the Free State

Unit for Professional Training and Service in the Behavioural Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa

Karel Esterhuyse, University of the Free State

Department of Psychology University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa

Lurene van Lill, University of the Free State

Unit for Professional Training and Service in the Behavioural Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa

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Published

2010-10-29

Issue

Section

Original Research