Abstract
The relation between self-reported pain and sexual functioning was investigated in a national sample of adults between the ages of 25-80. Although it is believed that pain generally has a deleterious effect on sexual functioning, relatively little data are available about the psychosocial correlates of the pain-sexuality link, the pain-sexuality relation among persons not in treatment for pain, or the role of gender as a potential moderator of the relation between psychosocial factors and pain-related interference. The present study involved the screening of chronic pain via the Profile of Chronic Pain: Screen (PCP: S) and the assessment of psychosocial correlates of pain's interfering effects on sexual performance by means of responses on the Profile of Chronic Pain: Extended Assessment Battery (PCP: EA). Results revealed that, although pain did not interfere with sexual functioning in 37% of the respondents, several psychosocial variables from the PCP: EA were linked to pain's interference with sexual activity controlling for the effects of pain severity. Pain-induced fear, impatience, and tangible support all yielded significant main effects. Moreover, the effects of five variables (ignoring, self-talk, task persistence, belief in a medical cure, and control) varied significantly by gender, and the effects of two PCP: EA dimensions (catastrophizing and belief in a medical cure) varied by treatment status. The assessment and treatment implications of the present findings were considered.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 123-136 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Sexuality and Disability |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2008 |
Keywords
- Adult chronic pain
- Gender
- Profile of chronic pain
- Sexual functioning
- Treatment status
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation