Distress intolerance and pain catastrophizing as mediating variables in PTSD and chronic noncancer pain comorbidity

Abstract

Objectives Several studies have demonstrated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain comorbidity. However, there is a lack of research on the psychological variables that might explain their co-occurrence. We investigated the mediating role of distress intolerance and pain catastrophizing in this relationship. Methods A moderated mediation model was tested. The sample comprised 114 individuals with chronic noncancer pain (90 women and 24 men; mean age, of 60.04 years [SD=9.76]). Results Catastrophizing had a significant effect on PTSD. Distress intolerance mediated catastrophizing and PTSD, and pain intensity moderated this relationship. Conclusions New insights are provided into the psychological variables that may explain PTSD and chronic noncancer pain comorbidity.