Investigating the Mediating Role of Cognitive Fusion in the Relationship Between Personality Traits and Pain Acceptance in Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.A. Student in Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran

2 .A. Student in Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran

3 Assistant professor, Faculty Member, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran

10.22108/cbs.2026.145765.2038

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of cognitive disturbance in the relationship between personality traits and chronic pain acceptance among patients with musculoskeletal disorders. This research employed a descriptive-correlational design using path analysis. The study population consisted of patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery at Milad Hospital in Isfahan during the first half of 2024. A purposive convenience sampling method was applied. Initially, 300 patients were selected; after excluding incomplete cases, data from 250 participants were analyzed. The participants completed the NEO Personality Inventory, the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, and the Cognitive Disturbance Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using AMOS statistical software. The path analysis results indicated that neuroticism and openness to experience were significantly associated with pain acceptance through the mediating role of cognitive disturbance. In addition, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and openness to experience showed direct relationships with pain acceptance. These findings highlight the critical role of cognitive disturbance in linking personality traits to pain acceptance. Accordingly, designing and implementing individual and group interventions focused on cognitive restructuring may facilitate greater pain acceptance among patients.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 January 2026
  • Receive Date: 29 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 06 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 10 January 2026