Changes in perception of illness and psychosocial adjustment. Findings of a pain management program

Fifty-six patients with chronic pain were assessed to determine changes in perception of illness and psychosocial adjustment during participation in a pain management program. At posttest evaluation, positive changes on these measures were observed and accompanied improvements in physical functioning, medication reduction, and attitude modification, despite the continued presence of pain. A comparison with arthritic patients was made to determine similarities in perceptions and psychosocial adjustment among two pain groups that markedly differed in their functional capacity; at posttest evaluation, chronic pain patients resembled the arthritic patients and appeared to possess a renewed sense that they could function adequately. Treatment implications are discussed.