PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Sharon M. Dobbs
MA-Research
May 2001

Retrospective Analysis of Self-Reported Success and Failure Among Chronic Pain Patients in a Self –Management Program

    This study investigated psychological and behavioral trends among three groups of Long Beach Veterans Administration patients who completed a 21-day inpatient chronic pain program.  One hundred twenty case files of male chronic pain patients were categorized into success, failure, or nonrespondent groups according to their self-report of program success at six months following program completion.  The data used in this study were archival in nature and included measures of pain severity, pain interference, life control, affective distress, depression, general activity level, and perceived ability to self-manage pain.  Trends for each measure were erected for each group across three points in time: program admission, program completion, and six months follow-up.  Results suggest that patients who reported program failure exhibit more psychological and behavioral distress as compared to patients who reported program success. These results are discussed in relation to the literature reviewed and protocol for future studies is addressed.

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