Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part D (2025)

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological factors—specifically pain catastrophizing, depressed mood, and anxiety—and their influence on pain perception and treatment outcomes in individuals undergoing physical therapy for chronic low back pain. Conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore, the study included 100 participants aged between 45 and 65 years. A non-experimental, correlational design was used to assess the natural association between psychological variables and pain experience. Data were collected over two months using standardized self-report questionnaires to measure levels of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression.
The results revealed a significant positive correlation between pain catastrophizing and anxiety, with 18 participants showing a strong correlation, 23 showing a moderate correlation, and 6 showing a mild correlation. The mean anxiety score was 23.7 with a correlation coefficient of 0.220. Similarly, a positive correlation was observed between pain catastrophizing and depressed mood, with 11 participants exhibiting strong correlation, 24 moderate, and 9 mild. The mean depression score was 21.3 with a correlation coefficient of 0.267. Statistical analysis indicated that higher levels of anxiety and depression were associated with increased pain catastrophizing, which in turn contributed to greater pain intensity.
In conclusion, the study highlights that psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing play a crucial role in the perception and severity of pain among patients with chronic low back pain. These findings emphasize the need for integrated treatment approaches that include psychological support alongside physical therapy. Addressing these psychosocial components may lead to improved treatment outcomes and more effective pain management in clinical practice.