Chronic Pain and Work
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Authors
Mihajlovic, Valentina
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Chronic Pain , Occupational stress , Work relationships , Work withdrawal , Depressive symptoms , Cognitive Appraisal Model
Alternative Title
Abstract
The present research presents a comprehensive investigation of the Cognitive Appraisal Model within the context of chronic pain in the workplace. The research comprises two studies aimed at understanding the associations between chronic pain, occupational stress, perceptions of work relationships, work withdrawal behaviours, and depressive symptoms. Study 1 focused on the development and validation of the Perceptions of Work Relationships for Individuals with Chronic Pain (PoWR-CP) Scales, guided by Social Exchange Theory. Following a multi-stage scale development process, 20 items representing three factors—Perceived Support, Absence of Perceived Stigma, and Perceived Friendship—were identified as the final structure applicable across supervisor, co-worker, and supervisee relationships. The scales demonstrated strong reliability and validity, establishing their psychometric soundness and alignment with similar constructs such as social capital and organizational justice. Building upon the PoWR-CP Scales, Study 2 explored the complex interplay between work-specific factors and depressive symptoms in individuals with chronic pain. A cross-sectional online survey measured pain and occupational characteristics, occupational stress, work withdrawal behaviours, and depressive symptoms. The results revealed two distinct paths: one reducing depressive symptom severity and the other exacerbating it. Further, the findings highlighted the influence of sample characteristics, such as age, pain type and severity, interference, occupation type, and work setup, on the relationships examined. The findings emphasize the significance of understanding the intricate relationships between pain, occupational stress, work relationships, work withdrawal behaviours, and depressive symptoms. Importantly, this research aligns with the WHO Healthy Workplace Framework and recommends interventions rooted in Relational Frame Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support employees with chronic pain in navigating their work environments.
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Attribution 4.0 International
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
Proquest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owne
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
Proquest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owne