The influence of congruent beliefs and perceived social support in a pain management programme.

The objectives of this study were two fold. Firstly, to consider how attendance on an outpatient Pain Management Programme affects patient and closest other (CO) Pain Locus of Control (PLC) orientation and secondly, to consider the relationship degree of congruence between patient and CO PLC orientation has with perceived social support gained from a CO, and with out-come on a Pain Management Programme. Twenty-four patients with chronic low back pain took part in a pre-post Pain Management Programme design. Three measures were used: The Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ); The Pain Locus of Control Scale (PLCS), and The Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ). Analysis of the results demonstrated a number of significant changes over time in relation to patient scores on the SF-MPQ, and patient and CO PLCS scores. However, no significant relationship was found between degree of congruence between patient and CO PLC orientation, perceived social support, and outcome on the programme. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.