Date of Award:

8-2025

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Maria Kleinstäuber

Committee

Maria Kleinstäuber

Committee

Michael E. Levin

Committee

Adam W. Hanley

Abstract

This research examined a new tool designed to measure how patients view their chronic pain. While healthcare providers increasingly recognize that chronic pain involves biological, psychological, and social factors (a "biopsychosocial approach"), no previous tool existed to assess whether patients share this perspective. This study tested the reliability and effectiveness of the Patient's Endorsement of a Biopsychosocial Model of Chronic Pain (PEB) Scale in young adults with chronic pain. Results confirmed the scale accurately measures a single, consistent concept and correlates with patients' willingness to consider new pain management approaches. Unlike in older adults, the scale didn't predict active maintenance of pain management strategies in younger individuals. However, it did provide valuable additional information when predicting which patients might contemplate changing their approach to managing pain. This research advances our understanding of how patients conceptualize their pain experience and may help clinicians better identify those receptive to comprehensive pain management strategies, though further testing in diverse populations is still needed.

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