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Running head: WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT UNIT 1

Written Assignment Unit 1

University of People
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Abstract

Chronic pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition among older adults, often accompanied by

significant psychological distress. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the emotional

regulation strategies utilized by older adults with chronic pain and their associations with

psychological distress and pain severity. Participants comprised 120 older adults, approximately

half of whom experienced chronic pain, recruited from pain clinics, geriatric outpatient clinics,

and senior centers. Self-report measures were used to assess emotional regulation strategies, pain

severity, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and physical health status. Results revealed

that older adults with chronic pain demonstrated distinct emotional regulation strategies

compared to those without chronic pain, with a greater reliance on suppression observed among

the former group. Furthermore, certain emotional regulation strategies were associated with

higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as greater pain severity. These

findings underscore the importance of considering emotional regulation in the assessment and

management of chronic pain among older adults. Addressing emotional regulation difficulties

may offer a promising avenue for enhancing mental health outcomes and overall well-being in

this vulnerable population. Future research and interventions should aim to further explore the

role of emotional regulation in chronic pain management and develop targeted approaches to

support older adults in coping with both physical and psychological aspects of their condition.

Keywords: FCTC, chronic pain, emotional regulation strategies

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The article I’ve chosen addresses a significant aspect of mental health by exploring the emotional

regulation strategies employed by older adults facing chronic pain. Chronic pain is a prevalent

issue among older adults and is often accompanied by various psychological challenges.

Emotional regulation, the ability to manage and modulate one's emotions, plays a crucial role in

coping with chronic pain and maintaining psychological well-being. Therefore, understanding
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how older adults regulate their emotions in the context of chronic pain is essential for developing

effective interventions to improve their overall quality of life.

The research described in the article aims to fill this gap by examining the emotional regulation

strategies utilized by older adults with chronic pain and their associations with psychological

distress and pain severity. By investigating these relationships, the study seeks to provide

insights into potential targets for intervention and support for this vulnerable population.

The authors' hypothesis revolves around the expectation that older adults with chronic pain will

employ different emotional regulation strategies compared to those without chronic pain.

Specifically, they predict that individuals with chronic pain will exhibit a greater reliance on

maladaptive strategies, such as suppression, which involves inhibiting the expression of

emotions. Additionally, the authors anticipate that these maladaptive strategies will be correlated

with higher levels of psychological distress, including depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well

as increased pain severity.

In summary, the article addresses the pressing issue of emotional regulation in the context of

chronic pain among older adults. By investigating the relationship between emotional regulation

strategies, psychological distress, and pain severity, the study aims to shed light on potential

avenues for intervention and support to enhance the mental health and well-being of older adults

living with chronic pain.

The participants in the study were 120 older adults, approximately half of whom were

experiencing chronic pain. They were recruited from various settings including pain clinics,

geriatric outpatient clinics, and senior centers.

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In this study, participants were required to complete several self-report measures assessing

different variables. These measures included assessments of emotional regulation strategies, pain

severity, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and physical health status.

The emotional regulation strategies were measured using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire

(ERQ), which assesses cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Pain severity was

evaluated using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were

measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Lastly, physical health

status was assessed using the Physical Health Composite Score from the Short Form-12 (SF-12).

Data collection was conducted through self-report questionnaires, where participants responded

to items related to the various measures mentioned above. Participants were asked to rate their

experiences and symptoms based on predefined scales or Likert-type response options.

In general, the study found that older adults with chronic pain demonstrated different emotional

regulation strategies compared to those without chronic pain. Specifically, individuals with

chronic pain were more likely to utilize suppression as an emotional regulation strategy.

Additionally, certain emotional regulation strategies were associated with higher levels of

depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as greater pain severity. These findings highlight the

importance of considering emotional regulation in the assessment and management of chronic

pain among older adults, as it appears to be closely linked to psychological distress and pain

severity.

The major conclusions drawn from the study emphasize the significant role of emotional

regulation in the psychological well-being of older adults with chronic pain. Specifically, the
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findings highlight the differences in emotional regulation strategies between older adults with

and without chronic pain, with those experiencing chronic pain more likely to rely on

suppression as a coping mechanism. Additionally, the study underscores the associations

between emotional regulation strategies, psychological distress (such as depressive and anxiety

symptoms), and pain severity among older adults with chronic pain.

These conclusions have several implications for future psychological research and our

understanding of mental health. Firstly, the study emphasizes the importance of considering

emotional regulation as a crucial factor in the assessment and management of chronic pain in

older adults. Future research could delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms of how

emotional regulation influences pain perception and psychological distress in this population.

Moreover, exploring the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving emotional regulation

skills in older adults with chronic pain could provide valuable insights into developing more

targeted and holistic treatment approaches.

Furthermore, the study underscores the need for integrated care models that address both

physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain in older adults. By acknowledging the

intricate interplay between emotional regulation, pain severity, and psychological distress,

healthcare professionals can better tailor interventions to meet the multifaceted needs of older

adults with chronic pain. This holistic approach may not only improve mental health outcomes

but also enhance overall quality of life and functioning in this vulnerable population.

In terms of understanding mental health, the study highlights the importance of recognizing and

addressing emotional regulation difficulties in individuals with chronic pain, particularly among
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older adults. By enhancing our understanding of how emotional regulation influences

psychological well-being in the context of chronic pain, we can develop more comprehensive

interventions that target both symptom management and emotional coping strategies. Ultimately,

this could lead to improved mental health outcomes and better overall functioning for older

adults living with chronic pain.

This study is highly relevant to the study of mental health as it sheds light on the intricate

relationship between emotional regulation, chronic pain, and psychological well-being among

older adults. Mental health encompasses not only the absence of mental illness but also the

presence of positive psychological functioning and effective coping strategies. Understanding

how emotional regulation influences mental health outcomes, particularly in the context of

chronic pain, is crucial for developing targeted interventions to enhance overall well-being.

The information gleaned from this study would indeed be helpful to disseminate, as it offers

valuable insights into the complexities of managing chronic pain and its impact on mental health

among older adults. Disseminating this information could be achieved through various channels.

One approach could involve incorporating these findings into educational materials and training

programs for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, and social

workers. By increasing awareness and understanding of the role of emotional regulation in the

context of chronic pain, healthcare providers can improve their ability to assess and address the

mental health needs of older adults more effectively.

Additionally, disseminating this information through public health campaigns, community

workshops, and online resources could raise awareness among older adults themselves and their
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caregivers. Providing accessible information about the importance of emotional regulation in

managing chronic pain and promoting mental well-being could empower individuals to seek

appropriate support and adopt healthier coping strategies.

Furthermore, collaborations between researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and advocacy groups

could facilitate the translation of research findings into practice and policy initiatives aimed at

improving mental health outcomes for older adults with chronic pain. By fostering

interdisciplinary partnerships and leveraging diverse communication platforms, we can ensure

that this valuable information reaches those who can benefit from it the most, ultimately

contributing to the advancement of mental health care for older adults experiencing chronic pain.

References

Schwartz, S., & Meyer, I. H. (2010). Mental health disparities research: the impact of within and
between group analyses on tests of social stress hypotheses. Social science & medicine (1982),
70(8), 1111–1118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2009.11.032