Prediction of Pain Catastrophizing Based on Pain Metaphorical Perception and Resilience in Cancer Patients

Tahami, Amene Sadat; Rezaei, Mohammadreza; Hodjati Arjmand, Sadegh

doi:10.48311/ijmpp.2026.119822.82922

Prediction of Pain Catastrophizing Based on Pain Metaphorical Perception and Resilience in Cancer Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Amene Sadat Tahami ¹

Mohammadreza Rezaei ²

Sadegh Hodjati Arjmand ³

¹ Master of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad. University, Electronics Branch, Tehran, Iran.

² Mental Health Expert, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

³ 3- Master of Clinical Psychology, Psychology and Counselling Faculty, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Central Branch

10.48311/ijmpp.2026.119822.82922

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metaphorical perception of pain and resilience, with pain catastrophizing in cancer patients. Method and Materials: This cross sectional study involved cancer patients in stages 1 and 2 who reside in Tehran. A total of 200 participants were selected through convenience sampling in 2025. They completed three questionnaires: the Standard Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Pain Metaphorical Perception questionnaire, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-26. Findings: The results indicated a significant negative correlation between pain catastrophizing and pain metaphorical perception (r = -0.53, P = 0.01). Additionally, there was a significant negative relationship between resilience and pain catastrophizing (r=0.493, P=0.01). Furthermore, 8.4% of the variance in pain catastrophizing was explained by pain metaphorical perception, and 6.9% by resilience. Conclusion: The findings suggest that increased pain catastrophizing in cancer patients is negatively associated with their interpretation and coping mechanisms related to pain. Therefore, it is recommended that physicians and health psychologists consider these cognitive factors in their research on pain management for cancer patients.
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Keywords

Pain Catastrophizing

Pain Metaphorical Perception

Resilience

Cancer Patients

Subjects