A comparison of coping skills of chronic, non-malignant pain patients and cancer patients with chronic pain

While the effectiveness of various coping strategies in chronic pain patients has been well-documented, a similar research focus has not been applied to chronic pain patients diagnosed with cancer. Religious activities used for coping with pain have also rarely been investigated in either population. This study was designed to determine if differences between the coping skills of chronic pain patients without cancer and those with cancer exist. The effect of coping skills, including religious activities, upon the perception of pain was examined via self-report instruments. The Coping Styles Questionnaire was used to examine differences in secular coping styles, and Religious Coping Activities Scale was used to examine differences in religion oriented coping activities. A numerical rating scale and the Pain Discomfort scale were used to assess differences in pain levels and affect. Analysis of the results suggests no differences in secular coping styles or pain levels existed between the two samples, but some differences in religious coping activities were found. Item in scales representing Spirituality, Good Deeds, Support, and Avoidance were more strongly endorsed by chronic pain patients with cancer.