Publications [#252534] of Mark R. Leary

Journal Articles

1. Wren, AA; Somers, TJ; Wright, MA; Goetz, MC; Leary, MR; Fras, AM; Huh, BK; Rogers, LL; Keefe, FJ (2012). Self-compassion in patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain: relationship of self-compassion to adjustment to persistent pain.. J Pain Symptom Manage, 43(4), 759-770. [22071165], [doi]
   (last updated on 2023/01/01)

   Abstract:
   CONTEXT: Self-compassion entails qualities such as kindness and understanding toward oneself in difficult circumstances and may influence adjustment to persistent pain. Self-compassion may be a particularly influential factor in pain adjustment for obese individuals who suffer from persistent pain, as they often experience heightened levels of pain and lower levels of psychological functioning. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of self-compassion to pain, psychological functioning, pain coping, and disability among patients who have persistent musculoskeletal pain and who are obese. METHODS: Eighty-eight obese patients with persistent pain completed a paper-and-pencil self-report assessment measure before or after their appointment with their anesthesiologist. RESULTS: Hierarchical linear regression analyses demonstrated that even after controlling for important demographic variables, self-compassion was a significant predictor of negative affect (β=-0.48, P<0.001), positive affect (β=0.29, P=0.01), pain catastrophizing (β=-0.32, P=0.003), and pain disability (β=-0.24, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that self-compassion may be important in explaining the variability in pain adjustment among patients who have persistent musculoskeletal pain and are obese.