Rachel Müller , Gunther Landmann, Markus Béchir, Timo Hinrichs, Ursina Arnet, Xavier Jordan , Martin W.G. Brinkhof
Empowerment, Participation & Social Integration Unit, Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF), 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland. E-mail: rachel.mueller@paraplegie.ch

DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2241

Participation buffers the negative effect of chronic pain on mood and satisfaction with life

Chronic pain is a frequent problem in individuals with spinal cord injury and can have a negative effect on mood and satisfaction with life. We tested the role of participation frequency, perceived restrictions in participation and satisfaction with participation (e.g., work, leisure activities, going out with friends) in 834 individuals with moderate to severe chronic pain. We found unrestricted or satisfactory participation to be a crucial resource for individuals living less than 10 years with a more severe spinal cord injury (i.e., complete tetraplegia), since it represents buffering potential for the negative effects of pain on mood and satisfaction with life. Interventions strengthening the buffering role of participation, in specific a reduction of perceived participation restrictions and an increase in satisfaction with participation, should be provided early after a spinal cord injury and in particular to individuals with a severe disability in order to minimize the impact of pain on participation, and in turn on mood, to improve long-term life satisfaction.