Not Seen, not Felt, not Heard – Similarities and Differences in Acceptance of Chronic Pain and Chronic Tinnitus

Abstract

Background Recent findings show the importance of acceptance in the treatment of chronic tinnitus. Acceptance has also been identified as a key construct in the treatment of chronic pain. Our aim was to determine main parameters influencing acceptance in pain and tinnitus patients and to detect similarities across those groups. Method The samples consisted of outpatients taking part in a tinnitus coping therapy group (N1=97)and a pain coping therapy group (N2=56). Via stepwise regression analysis the different influencing factors on acceptance in pain and tinnitus (dependent variables) were determined. Findings In the tinnitus group three predictor variables could explain 45% of the variance in the pain group two variables could explain 54% of the variance. In both groups emotional strain was a significant predicting variable. Global screening instruments as the Brief Symptom Inventory could not explain any further variance. Discussion The identification of factors supporting the development of acceptance in different populations are important to promote well-being. Due to the findings it is advised to use specific instruments to assess acceptance in different clinical populations.