Understanding pain and coping in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
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ObjectivesTo examine a self‐regulation and coping model for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) that may help us understand the pain experience of patients with chronic IC/BPS.Patients and MethodsThe model tested illness perceptions, illness‐focused coping, emotional regulation, mental health and disability in a stepwise method using factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Step 1, explored the underlying constructs. Step 2, confirmed the measurement models to determine the structure/composition of the main constructs. Step 3, evaluated the model fit and specified pathways in the proposed IC/BPS self‐regulation model. In all, 217 female patients with urologist diagnosed IC/BPS were recruited and diagnosed across tertiary care centres in North America. The data were collected through self‐report questionnaires.ResultsAn IC/BPS self‐regulation model was supported. Physical disability was worsened by patient's negative perception of their illness, attempts to cope using illness‐focused coping and poorer emotional regulation. Mental health was supported by perceptions that individuals could do something about their illness, using wellness‐focused behavioural strategies and adaptive emotion regulation.ConclusionsThe results clarify the complex and unique process of self‐regulation in women with IC/BPS, implicating cognitive and coping targets, and highlighting emotional regulation. This knowledge should help clinicians understand and manage these patients’ distress and disability.
