Keywords
Psychological distress; Chronic orthopedic pain; Suicide risk; Social support; Mental health; Pain perception
Abstract
Suicide remains a public health concern in the U.S., particularly among individuals experiencing chronic pain and psychological distress. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between perceived physical and psychological pain in 41 adults with chronic orthopedic conditions. The relationship between other risk and protective factors and perceived levels of pain distress was also examined. Results showed a significant positive correlation between psychological distress and physical pain (r(39) = 0.388, p < .05) and psychological distress and depressive/anxiety symptoms (r (39) = 0.477, p < .01). Psychological distress was moderately associated with feelings of hopelessness (r (39) = 0.403, p < .01), however, the relationship between physical pain and hopelessness was weak and nonsignificant (r (39) = -0.06, p = .71). Contrary to expectations, emotional support did not buffer the effects of psychological distress (r (39) = 0.07, p = 0.66). Mediational analysis confirmed that emotional support did not influence the relationship between physical pain and psychological distress (Beta (β) = -0.969, p = 0.572; Sobel Z = 0.5598, p = 0.575). Age was not correlated with psychological distress (r (39) = -0.24, p = 0.13) or mental health symptoms (r (39) = -0.05, p = .77). While there was no significant difference across sex, males reported higher mental health symptomatology and psychological distress scores than female counterparts. These findings underscore the direct impact of physical pain on psychological distress and challenge assumptions about the protective role of social support. The study highlights the need for integrated, multidisciplinary interventions targeting both physical and psychological pain to mitigate suicide risk among individuals with chronic orthopedic conditions. Future research should iii explore alternative support mechanisms and resilience-building strategies to address the complex interplay of pain, distress, and suicidality.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Gryglewicz, Kim
College
College of Health Professions and Sciences
Department
Social Work
Thesis Discipline
Social Work
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Karimi Dehkordi, Daniel C., "Assessing the Relationship Between Perceived Psychological and Physical Pain in Adults With Orthopedic Pain" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 342.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/342
Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Commons, Community Health Commons, Medical Education Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Pain Management Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons, Public Health Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Sports Sciences Commons
Rights Statement
