Structural relationships between pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy in relation to pain experience and presenteeism: a cross-sectional analysis using path analysis.

Abstract

Presenteeism among workers with pain has been linked to various cognitive and psychological factors; however, their structural relationships remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the structural relationships among pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, psychological distress, and presenteeism among workers experiencing pain that interfered with work or daily life. An internet-based survey was conducted among 700 Japanese workers aged 20-60 years, of whom 459 who reported pain interfering with work or daily life during the preceding month were included in the analysis. Pain self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, psychological distress, and presenteeism were assessed using validated Japanese versions of standardized questionnaires. A hypothesized path model was tested using path analysis to evaluate model fit and structural associations. The results demonstrated good model fit. Pain self-efficacy was directly and indirectly associated with presenteeism, whereas pain catastrophizing was indirectly associated with presenteeism through psychological distress. Notably, pain self-efficacy was broadly associated with multiple factors, including pain catastrophizing and psychological distress, as well as presenteeism. Higher pain self-efficacy was associated with reduced presenteeism, with associations partly observed through pain catastrophizing and psychological distress. These findings suggest that pain self-efficacy may represent a promising focus for future interventions aimed at reducing presenteeism among workers experiencing pain.