Die rol van denkpatrone en lokus van beheer in die behandelingsrespons van pasiënte met chroniese pyn

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Date
1998-11
Authors
Du Plessis, Pieter Stephanus
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
In this study an inquiry was made into the role of beliefs and locus of control in the treatment response of patients who suffer from chronic pain. Firstly a penetrating study was made of the problematic nature of chronic pain on the basis of extensive but directed research work. The focus fell on the psychological aspects related to chronic pain and the expected role of beliefs and locus of control concerning this matter. In this study it was found that chronic pain appears to be a complex phenomenon which consists of physiological and psychosocial aspects. As the measurement of pain is complex and subjective, the psychological evaluation of chronic pain patients appears to be of great importance. Although the causality of reference between constructs did not always seem to be clear, the role of beliefs and locus of control in chronic pain was indicated. Patients suffering from chronic pain are apt to be victims of irrational beliefs and an external locus of control. In an empirical study the correlation between beliefs, locus of control and treatment : : response of patients suffering from chronic pain was made. A correlational research design was followed. The difference in the pain score, before and after treatment, the beliefs- as well as the locus of control score, were obtained. According to the results founded in this study, locus of control is a predictive variable of treatment response. Patients who uphold a "chance" health locus of control, showed a significant poorer response to treatment than those who uphold an internal health locus of control. It was also found that patients who uphold a "chance" health locus of control, were more inclined to be victims of irrational beliefs. The patients who uphold an internal health locus of control, tend to uphold a rational belief system and responded better to treatment. The data obtained could be compared to the literature study to reach an integrated understanding of the role that beliefs and locus of control play in the treatment of patients who suffer from chronic pain. From this the importance of the psychological aspect of chronic pain was once more emphasized. In conclusion it can be said that chronic pain is a complex phenomenon and that the psychologist plays an important role in the evaluation and treatment of patients who suffer from chronic pain.
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Keywords
Intractable pain -- Treatment, Control (Psychology), Intractable pain -- Psychological aspects, Dissertation (M.A. (Psychology))--University of the Free State, 1998
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