Chronic Pain in Adolescents: The Predictive Role of Emotional Intelligence, Self-Esteem and Parenting Style

Abstract

Objectives: Pediatric chronic pain is prevalent and disabling. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic pain among adolescents in Shiraz, Iran. We also compared emotional intelligence, self-esteem and parenting style between adolescents with chronic pain and healthy adolescents. Finally, we examined the predicting role of these variables regarding chronic pain in adolescents.<br /> Methods: This cross-sectional study, from January to June 2018, has been conducted on 734 adolescents in Shiraz. A clustering sampling method was used. Adolescents with chronic pain were identified by affirmative answers to screening questions based on the ICD-11 criteria. Participants completed validated self-report questionnaires: Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, Rosenberg self-esteem scale and Baumrind parenting style questionnaire.. The data were analyzed through SPSS v.22 software using Mann-Whitney and binary logistic regression tests. P Results: There were 221(30.1%) adolescents meeting the ICD-11 criteria of chronic pain. Mann-Whitney tests showed that emotional intelligence (p <0.001), self-esteem (p <0.001), authoritative parenting style (p =0.004) and authoritarian parenting style (p=0.006) were significantly different in adolescents with chronic pain compared to healthy adolescents. Binary logistic regression revealed that emotional intelligence (p <0.001), self-esteem (p <0.001), authoritarian parenting style (p =0.04) and authoritative parenting style (p =0.01) were significantly correlated with chronic pain after controlling for demographic variables. <br /> Conclusions: Our findings highlight that emotional intelligence, self-esteem and parenting styles could be important factors of development or maintenance of chronic pain in adolescents. The results have potential to inform future interventions for adolescents with chronic pain.