Examining the role of acceptance and defusion processes in mediating pain interference and adjustment

Abstract

Acceptance and defusion are two of the six processes of the Psychological flexibility model (PF). These two processes together have been described as the “open†response style. Recent evidence suggests that when these two processes are cultivated, positive treatment gains are achieved. The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effects of defusion and acceptance, between pain interference and psychosocial variables of pain (e.g. anxiety, depression, pain intensity). 160 chronic pain patients completed a packet of self-report questionnaires (AAQ, CPAQ, PIPS, CAMS, HADS etc). A series of SEM models showed that higher scores in acceptance and defusion, were associated with lower pain intensity, emotional distress, and pain interference. Correlations among the latent variable and acceptance and defusion, were also significant. Dismantling studies and multivariate examination of the PF processes provide further evidence of the relevance of response styles and how they are related to patients function.