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
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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.
Description
Keywords
Intractable pain -- Treatment, Control (Psychology), Intractable pain -- Psychological aspects, Dissertation (M.A. (Psychology))--University of the Free State, 1998