More than just pain: Understanding pain in the geriatric population through social support and psychological factors

Authors : Zuhal Koç Apaydın, Nefise Demir, Hatice Gülşah Karataş
Pages : 439-447
Doi:10.29058/mjwbs.1818478
View : 46 | Download : 57
Publication Date : 2025-12-31
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Aim: Chronic pain is a common condition among the elderly, impairing physical function, cognitive ability, and psychological well-being. Psychological resilience and perceived social support may influence pain perception and treatment response, but limited research has addressed these factors in older adults. To investigate the effects of psychological resilience and perceived social support on pain severity and psychological factors in elderly individuals with chronic pain. Material and Methods: A total of 112 elderly participants were included. Pain severity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Psychological variables were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS), Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults (PRSA), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Participants were classified as benefiting from treatment if they experienced ≥30% reduction in VAS scores. Statistical analyses included Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation, and binary logistic regression. Results: Of the participants, 81 (72.3%) benefited from treatment. Those who benefited had significantly lower GDS and GAS scores and higher PRSA scores (p < 0.001). Post-treatment VAS scores positively correlated with depression and anxiety, and negatively with psychological resilience. In logistic regression analysis, higher depression (p = 0.018) and perceived social support (p = 0.006) were associated with lower odds of treatment response, whereas higher psychological resilience (p = 0.010) predicted greater likelihood of improvement. Conclusion: Psychological resilience, depression, anxiety, and social support are significant factors in chronic pain management among the elderly. Integrating psychosocial approaches with conventional treatments may improve outcomes in this population.
Keywords : Kronik ağrı, yaşlı, psikolojik dayanıklılık, sosyal destek, depresyon, anksiyete

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