Body image, pain and level of resources among arthritis patients: the moderating role of gender

ABSTRACT

Arthritis is a highly debilitating group of chronic diseases that affects both physical and psychosocial functioning. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between body image, subjective pain intensity and level of resources described by Conservation of Resources (COR) theory among arthritis patients. In particular, the moderating role of the participants’ gender was explored via multiple linear regression analysis. 200 arthritis patients were recruited, including 141 females and 59 males. Body image was evaluated using the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, subjective pain intensity was measured via the Numerical Rating Scale and level of resources was assessed using the COR evaluation questionnaire. A negative relationship was confirmed between the level of satisfaction with body image and pain intensity among participants. A positive relationship was found between body-image subscales and level of COR resources. These relationships were moderated by the participants’ gender, i.e. only among males a positive association between body image and pain and, respectively, body image and resources was found. Enhancing body awareness is an essential part of psychological counselling for patients with arthritis and our study added to the literature by showing how body image may be related to pain and resources in this patient group.

KEYWORDS:

• Arthritis
• body image
• pain
• conservation of resources (COR) theory
• gender differences

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Research involving human participants and/or animals

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.