Negative impact of chronic pain: The role of locus of control and perceived family validation of chronic pain

The present study investigates how participants’ locus of control and their family and friends’ validation of their pain influences participants’ chronic pain experiences. Four thousand, 25 adults were recruited through the Chronic Pain In America survey. Results show that individuals who endorse an internal locus of control and experience family and friends’ validation of their chronic pain reported better chronic pain outcomes and less negative life impact due to chronic pain. The current results indicate the locus of control and family and friends’ validation of chronic pain experience plays an important role in chronic pain and the impact of chronic pain across the life course.