The journal of pain : official journal of the American Pain Society
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Chronic pain is prevalent in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). We investigated how chronic pain intensity and catastrophizing varies in adults with SCI during inpatient rehabilitation up to 12 months postinjury after transitioning into the community. Eighty-eight participants with SCI were assessed for pain intensity and catastrophizing, depressive mood states, and cognitive performance. ⋯ Findings indicate those with elevated depressive mood states will be more likely to have high levels of pain and engage in cognitive appraisals involving pain-related catastrophizing. Importantly, however, risk of increased pain intensity and catastrophizing occurred only after transitioning into the community, when personal resources will be severely challenged. Implications of these results for models of pain catastrophizing are discussed and it is concluded there is a need for ongoing support in the community to develop self-management skills and strategies that strengthen social support networks.