Coping with chronic pain: flexible goal adjustment as an interactive buffer against pain-related distress

摘要: Abstract In the present study, Brandtstadter's (1992) distinction between assimilation and accommodation as two fundamental means of coping is applied to field chronic pain. Assimilative involves active attempts (e.g. instrumental activities, self-corrective actions, compensatory measures) alter unsatisfactory life circumstances situational constraints in accordance with personal preferences. Conversely, accommodative downgrading aspirations, positive reappraisal, self-enhancing comparisons) directed towards a revision self-evaluative goal standards perceived deficits losses. Our research based on assumption that pain can be described major source threat or impediment goals. When goals are no longer attainable through active-assimilative efforts, should become increasingly important dealing study 120 patients, dispositional differences assimilative (tenacious pursuit) tendencies (flexible adjustment), well measures pain-related adjustment (depression, disability, intensity) were assessed. The results suggest functions protective resource by preventing global losses psychological functioning patients maintaining perspective. Most important, ability flexibility adjust attenuated negative impact experience (pain intensity, disability) well-being (depression). Furthermore, strategies led reduction disability only when accompanied high degree flexible adjustment. theoretical clinical implications these findings for treatment discussed.