Correlação entre auto-eficácia e afetos em indivíduos que sofrem com dor persistente

Abstract

Persistent pain is a serious public health problem that generates high costs and investments for its treatment and control. It is known that emotional and behavioral aspects are directly related to the positive or negative evolution of an individual within a rehabilitation program. However, it is not known how this takes place. Characteristics of positive or negative coping with situations in the individual's life, associated with the presence of chronic pain, can directly affect the success or failure of treatment. The study aims to assess the correlations between self-efficacy and positive/negative affect in a population that suffers from persistent pain. Crosssectional study, in which volunteers of both sexes, between 18 and 60 years old, who suffer from persistent pain and who are undergoing physical therapy were invited to participate. Pain profile was evaluated using the Numerical Pain Scale (END), emotional/behavioral aspects through the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results showed a weak correlation between self-efficacy and positive affects and a negative correlation between self-efficacy and negative affects, however, in none of them there was a statistical difference. The analyzed sample was very small, which certainly contributed to the loss of statistical power of the test, therefore, it is necessary to include more individuals in the total sample so that an assertive conclusion about such an investigation is possible.