How and for whom does a positive affect intervention work in fibromyalgia: An analysis of mediators and moderators

Abstract

Objectives

Psychological interventions designed to enhance positive affect are promising ways to promote adaptive functioning in people with chronic pain. However, few studies have addressed the efficacy of positive affect interventions in chronic pain populations and examined which patients can benefit more from them. The aim of the present study was to identify mediators and moderators of the best possible self intervention (BPS) in fibromyalgia patients.

Methods

We used data from a previous randomized controlled trial that examined changes in pain interference, depression, self‐efficacy, and quality of life after the BPS intervention.

Results

Mediation analyses showed that depression mediated changes in pain interference. Positive and negative affect were significant mediators of the change in depression and quality of life. No significant mediators of the change in self‐efficacy were found. Baseline levels of quality of life, emotion regulation strategies of negative and positive affect, and rumination moderated the effects of the intervention on depressive symptomatology.

Discussion

In fibromyalgia patients, the effects of the BPS on the outcomes seem to be more related to changes in affect than to changes in future expectations.

Significance

This is the first study to present evidence about who can benefit from an intervention designed to augment positive affect and promote positive functioning in FMS patients and how these changes occur. It extends previous findings on patient characteristics associated with the response to pain management interventions.

from Wiley: European Journal of Pain: Table of Contents https://ift.tt/2POeYMV
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