The behavioural inhibition system, behavioural activation system and experiential avoidance as explanatory variables of comorbid chronic pain and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Issue 1 (31st December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Serrano-Ibáñez, Elena R.; Ramírez-Maestre, Carmen; Esteve, Rosa; López-Martínez, Alicia E.
• Is Part Of: European journal of psychotraumatology. Volume 10:Issue 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12-31
• Subjects: Chronic pain -- posttraumatic stress symptoms -- behavioural inhibition system -- behavioural approach system -- experiential avoidance -- pain adjustment; Dolor crónico -- síntomas de estrés postraumático -- sistema de inhibición del comportamiento -- sistema de activación del comportamiento -- evitación experiencial -- adaptación al dolor; 慢性疼痛，创伤后应激症状，行为抑制系统，行为方法系统，经验避免，疼痛调节; Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Periodicals; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.8521
• DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1581013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-8198

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : The variables that underlie comorbid chronic pain and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are not yet clearly established. Objective : The aim of the present study was to analyse the role of the behavioural inhibition system (BIS), behavioural approach system (BAS) and experiential avoidance (EA) in pain adjustment (i.e. pain intensity, daily functioning and pain-related impairment) in patients with chronic pain and PTSS. Methods : A battery of instruments was administered to 388 chronic pain patients. The sample was divided into those with PTSS ( n = 194) and those without PTSS ( n = 194). Results : Significant differences were found between groups in the BIS, EA, impairment and daily functioning. No differences were found between groups in the BAS. Structural equation modelling showed that the BIS and EA were associated with worse adjustment in the 194 patients with both chronic pain and PTSS. The BAS was associated with a lower level of pain and greater daily functioning. Conclusion : The findings provide evidence that BIS and BAS activation and EA play a role in adjustment to chronic pain in patients with concurrent PTSS. These results may help guide the development of psychological treatments for patients with both conditions. HIGHLIGHTS: This is the first study to examine the role of the behavioural inhibition system, the behavioural activation system, experiential avoidance in comorbid chronic pain and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Differences between patients with and without posttraumatic stress symptoms in behavioural inhibition system and experiential avoidance were found, thus providing a preliminary comprehensive framework for understanding the co-occurrence of both disorders. The findings may help guide the development of psychological treatments for patients with both conditions.