The Impact of Pain Catastrophizing on Mental and Physical Health among Patients with Chronic Pain: The Moderating Role of Pain Self-Efficacy

Chronic pain is a multifaceted condition influenced by psychological as well as physiological factors, significantly impairing individuals’ mental and physical health. The present study aimed to examine the impact of pain catastrophizing on mental and physical health among patients with chronic pain, and to investigate the moderating role of pain self-efficacy. A cross-sectional research design was employed, with a sample of 200 chronic pain patients recruited from public and private healthcare settings in Sargodha, Pakistan, using purposive sampling. Standardized instruments, including the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ), Mental Well-Being Scale, and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), were administered. The findings revealed that pain catastrophizing significantly predicted poorer mental and physical health outcomes. Moreover, pain self-efficacy was found to significantly moderate this relationship, such that higher levels of self-efficacy weakened the negative effects of catastrophizing on health outcomes. These results underscore the importance of targeting maladaptive cognitive patterns and enhancing self-efficacy in psychological interventions for chronic pain management. The study highlights the need for integrated biopsychosocial approaches to improve overall well-being in individuals suffering from chronic pain.