The role of purpose in life in the relationship between pain interference and depressive symptoms

Depression is common in people living with chronic pain and likely explained by pain interference over pain severity. Purpose in life is a psychological resource and shares correlates with pain and depression. In the present cross-sectional study, we aimed to understand the relative associations of pain severity and interference to depressive symptoms and further explore the potential for purpose in life to mediate these relationships. A sample of 104 adults living with chronic pain completed the study assessments. Results showed that pain interference was significantly associated with depressive symptoms beyond pain severity. Consistent with the mediation model, purpose in life partially accounted for the relationship between pain interference and depressive symptoms when controlling for pain severity. Pain interference, more than severity, may be important for understanding depressive symptoms. Furthermore, purpose in life may help to explain this relationship, providing clinicians with a modifiable target for treatment.