Self-efficacy, Catastrophizing, Fear of Movement and health outcomes in Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this research are to study the relationships and the predictive power of Self-Efficacy, Catastrophizing and Fear of Movement on the pain experience in Fibromyalgia, and to identify the role of self-efficacy in these relationships. Method: sixty one patients from the Fibromyalgia Integral Care Unity (San Vicente del Raspeig Hospital) completed several questionnaires for assessing the variables of this study. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and different multiple regression analysis were performed. Results: No significant relationships were found between fear of movement and other variables; only the perception of the overall impact of fibromyalgia and distress showed significant relationships with both Catastrophizing and Self-Efficacy. This last variable did not modulate the relationship between Catastrophizing and health outcomes. However, in addition to its direct effect over health outcomes, Self-Efficacy showed an effect mediated by the Catastrophizing. Conclusions:  Self-Efficacy emerges as the most important variable in explaining the experience of pain in these patients, constituting a therapeutic target also in the last essential level of care.