Exploring Associations Between Optimism and Pain-Related Functioning in Youth Following Musculoskeletal Injury

Previous research has shown optimism is associated with better psychological function and less pain-related disability in pediatric chronic pain and acute post-surgical pain samples. The role of optimism in youth following recovery from an acute musculoskeletal injury has not been explored. The aims of this study were to examine associations among optimism and pain-related functioning during the acute pain period and to explore optimism as a predictor of quality of life and pain interference three months later. Participants were treatment-seeking youth (N=227) aged 11-17 with an acute musculoskeletal injury (51.6% female) taking part in an ongoing longitudinal study examining pain outcomes following musculoskeletal injury. Questionnaires were completed within 30 days of injury (T1) and 3 months after injury (T2). Results indicated optimism was not associated with child age, gender, or pain intensity. Optimism at T1 was positively correlated with quality of life at T1 (r=.42, p<.001) and at T2 (r=.36, p<.001). Optimism was negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, fear of pain, pain interference, and catastrophizing at T1 (r’s= -46 to -.24, p<.001) and T2 (r’s=-46 to -.13, p<.001). When controlling for pain intensity at T2, child optimism at T1 predicted pain interference (B=2.18, p<.001) and quality of life (B=-3.44, p<.001) at T2. These findings suggest that optimism may be a resilience factor associated with pain-related functioning and quality of life in youth following musculoskeletal injury. Incorporating optimism into future interventions targeting youth with acute pain should be considered.