Fenelon, E., Paredes Cienega, P., Bieniak, K., & Tran, S. (2024, April 18-20). Pain Dismissal, Anxiety, and Depression in Emerging Adults with Chronic Pain [Poster presentation]. Midwestern Psychological Association 2024 Convention, Chicago, IL, United States.

Abstract

Introduction/Background: An estimated 12% of emerging adults experience chronic pain. Many emerging adults with chronic pain who elect to disclose their symptoms or pain status experience someone denying their issues, otherwise known as pain dismissal. Individuals with chronic pain are at increased risk for anxiety and depression. Having one’s symptoms dismissed may delay receiving appropriate care in addition to possible deleterious effects on mental health. The current study determines if anxiety and depression symptoms are higher among emerging adults with chronic pain who have experienced pain dismissal. 

Method: Participants (N = 419; m_age = 19.44, SD _age = 1.51) enrolled in a Midwestern United States University completed an online survey about their health. Most participants were assigned female at birth (n = 332, 79.2%), identified as women (n = 309, 73.7%), and were of caucasian background (n = 388, 92.6%). Pain dismissal was assessed by the question “Thinking about the longest lasting pain problem, has a medical professional or someone close to you ever ignored or not believed you about your pain?” Chi-square analyses compared pain dismissal between those with chronic, acute, and no pain. Within the chronic pain group, t-test analyses compared those who had and had not experienced pain dismissal in terms of their scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and the PROMIS Depression Short Form 8A.

Results: Emerging adults with chronic pain experienced pain dismissal more than those with no pain or acute pain (χ² (3) = 41.34, p < .001). Among those with chronic pain (n = 146), anxiety scores were significantly higher among those who had experienced pain dismissal (M = 13.14, SD = 5.62) compared to those that didn’t  (M = 10.31, SD = 5.91; t(144) = 2.94, p = .004). Depression scores were also significantly higher among those who had experienced pain dismissal (M = 59.16, SD = 7.63) compared to those that didn’t  (M = 56.04, SD = 9.16; t(144) = 2.21, p = .029).

Discussion: Chronic pain in college students, coupled with disbelief from others, is associated with higher symptoms of anxiety and depression. Future studies should explore the reasons why emerging adults with chronic pain feel that they are not believed by others and how they can effectively advocate for their own care.

50-Word Abstract

Chronic pain in college students, coupled with disbelief of their pain from others, is associated with higher symptoms of  anxiety and depression.

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