Papers of the Week

Studies of individuals with non-cancer-related chronic pain, find that higher levels of psychological flexibility (PF) are associated with less distress, better functioning, and a better response to treatment. People diagnosed with cancer are at significantly increased risk of developing chronic cancer-related pain, the presence of which is associated with poorer health outcomes. Little is known about whether PF is applicable to cancer pain. The current study investigates the relationship between chronic cancer-related pain, distress and functioning, and three theoretical processes proposed by the PF model: pain acceptance, present-moment focus, and committed action.