Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2025)
JAP 2025, 16(2): 51-66 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.TNB.REC.1403.241
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Gholamzadeh, Kiani Q, Jarareh J. Structural Equation Modeling of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Perception Based on Empathy and Perceived Social Support with the Mediating Role of Mentalization in Individuals with Musculoskeletal Problems. JAP 2025; 16 (2) :51-66
URL: http://jap.iums.ac.ir/article-1-5793-en.html
URL: http://jap.iums.ac.ir/article-1-5793-en.html
1- Department of Psychology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran ,Qa.kiani@iau.ac.ir
3- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran ,
3- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (221 Views)
Background and Aim: Chronic musculoskeletal pain, a prevalent issue, significantly impacts individuals' quality of life, with psychological and social factors playing a critical role in its perception. This study aimed to investigate the structural equation modeling of chronic pain perception based on empathy, perceived social support, and the mediating role of mentalization.
Materials and Methods: This correlational study utilized structural equation modeling. The population consisted of all patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain attending private pain management clinics in Shiraz in 2024, from which 422 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the 20-item McGill Pain Questionnaire (1997), the 26-item Baron-Cohen Empathy Questionnaire (2003), the 12-item Zimet et al. Perceived Social Support Scale (1988), and the Fonagy et al. Mentalization Questionnaire (2016). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25 and PLS.3 software with structural equation modeling.
Results: Direct effects of empathy, perceived social support, and mentalization on chronic musculoskeletal pain perception were significant (p < .05). Direct effects of empathy and perceived social support on mentalization were also significant (p < .05). Indirect effects of empathy and perceived social support on chronic pain perception, mediated by mentalization, were significant in individuals with musculoskeletal problems (p < .05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that enhancing empathy and perceived social support in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain reduces pain perception by improving mentalization. Psychological interventions focused on promoting mentalization can improve pain management in these patients. These results highlight the importance of integrating social support and empathy into treatment programs.
Materials and Methods: This correlational study utilized structural equation modeling. The population consisted of all patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain attending private pain management clinics in Shiraz in 2024, from which 422 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the 20-item McGill Pain Questionnaire (1997), the 26-item Baron-Cohen Empathy Questionnaire (2003), the 12-item Zimet et al. Perceived Social Support Scale (1988), and the Fonagy et al. Mentalization Questionnaire (2016). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25 and PLS.3 software with structural equation modeling.
Results: Direct effects of empathy, perceived social support, and mentalization on chronic musculoskeletal pain perception were significant (p < .05). Direct effects of empathy and perceived social support on mentalization were also significant (p < .05). Indirect effects of empathy and perceived social support on chronic pain perception, mediated by mentalization, were significant in individuals with musculoskeletal problems (p < .05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that enhancing empathy and perceived social support in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain reduces pain perception by improving mentalization. Psychological interventions focused on promoting mentalization can improve pain management in these patients. These results highlight the importance of integrating social support and empathy into treatment programs.
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Chronic pain managment
Received: 2025.06.27 | Accepted: 2025.07.17 | Published: 2025.09.1
Received: 2025.06.27 | Accepted: 2025.07.17 | Published: 2025.09.1
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