Examining whether or not measures of interpersonal relations and self-perceived burdens are unique and independent predictors of suicidal ideation. .
Taken into Consideration.
Pain intensity, disability, and cognitive-affective measures of catastrophizing and depression.
Subjects.
303 subjects participated in this study, and all subjects reported experiencing chronic pain for an average of seven years. The average age of these subjects was 47. At the outset of the study, all subjects completed a questionnaire which presented questions such as pain severity, functional limitations, catastrophizing, depression, interpersonal relations and self-perceived burdens. .
Pain severity was measured using a scale from 0-10 (1=no pain, 10=unbearable pain) .
Functional limitations were rated on a scale of 1-5 (1=no limitations, 5-completely non-functioning) .
Catastrophizing was rated according to the subject's painful/difficult experiences on a sale from 0-4 (1=no problems, 4=no hope).
Depression was rated on a scale of 1-4 (1=no depression, 4=unbearable depression).
Interpersonal Relations - based on the subject's past and current relationships, was rated on a scale of 1-5 (1=all positive relationships, 5=all dysfunctional).
Self-Perceived Burdens - the subject's perceived burden they've placed or are placing on family and/or acquaintances was rated on a scale of 1-5 (1=not a burden to anyone, 5=always a burden to everyone).
Another focus question on the questionnaire regarded the subject's thoughts of suicidal ideation (thought about or an unusual preoccupation with suicide, Wikidedia.com). .
A specific term used in the study was "interpersonal theory"; meaning personality developments and behavior disorders which are related and defined by the relationships the subject has with other individuals. .
The central purpose of the study was to determine if those with chronic pain actually have a "need" to commit suicide.
