Emily J. Bartley

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) has a complex etiology and a high degree of coprevalence with other chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs). Evidence suggests that central sensitization contributes to these conditions; however, the psychological risk and resilience factors influencing the relationship between COPCs and central sensitization have received limited attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether positive and negative affect moderate the relationship between COPCs and central sensitization in individuals with CPP. Participants ( N = 197) completed the Central Sensitization Inventory and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and self‐reported the presence of diagnosed COPCs. Results indicated that greater symptoms of central sensitization were associated with a greater number of COPCs ( p < 0.01). Higher levels of positive affect were related to lower central sensitization ( p < 0.01) and fewer COPCs ( p < 0.05), while higher negative affect was associated with greater central sensitization ( p < 0.01). After controlling for pelvic pain duration, a greater number of COPCs were associated with greater central sensitization, but only among individuals with lower positive affect ( p = 0.01). No significant moderation effects were observed for negative affect ( p = 0.13). The findings from this cross‐sectional study suggest that lower positive affect may have an adverse effect on central sensitization in those with a greater number of COPCs. Individuals with CPP, especially those experiencing multiple chronic pain conditions, may benefit from interventions aimed at increasing positive affect.

As the gatekeepers of scientific knowledge, journal editors, reviewers, and study section members hold a profound responsibility for shaping what is valued and disseminated in our field. Achieving equity in pain science requires a critical reevaluation of how rigor is defined and applied, as well as a commitment to dismantling the biases embedded in academic publishing and peer review. The priorities described in this joint call to action paper outline a path toward a more inclusive and representative scientific record. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP, i.e., pain related to the abdomen) disproportionately affects women, with about one in four women experiencing CPP worldwide. CPP has been found to be associated with numerous poor mental health outcomes (e.g., depression and anxiety). Prior research has indicated associations between CPP and stigma, yet much of this research has been qualitative. Objectives: The present study builds on that literature by quantitatively exploring associations between CPP severity and both depression and anxiety sensitivity, as well as exploring the moderating role of internalized stigma. Design: Quantitative, cross-sectional design. Methods: A sample of 241 adult women with CPP from the United States completed a series of questionnaires via an online survey. Hierarchical linear regression models and moderation analyses were used to determine associations among the variables of interest (i.e., CPP, depression, anxiety sensitivity, and internalized stigma). Results: Women who reported more severe CPP also reported more depression ( b = 0.61, SE = 0.19, p = 0.002) and more anxiety sensitivity ( b = 0.92, SE = 0.14, p < 0.001). These associations were moderated by internalized stigma, such that the effects of depression and anxiety sensitivity on CPP severity were stronger in women who reported more internalized stigma. Conclusion: Clinical implications are that providers treating women with pelvic pain should screen them for emotional distress (e.g., depression and anxiety) and intervene and/or refer them as appropriate. Future work should continue to explore the role of internalized stigma in women with CPP, as well as explore potential interventions aimed at reducing stigma.

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a global public health problem and a leading cause of disability among older adults. Recent years have seen a burgeoning interest in promoting resilience in individuals with chronic pain; however, therapeutic strategies that focus on positive psychological resources and individual strengths are understudied among older adult populations. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a resilience-promoting intervention among older adults with cLBP, and to assess preliminary treatment effects on pain severity, pain interference, and quality of life. Participants included 50 adults, ages ≥50 years, with back pain rated (at minimum) of moderate intensity and having a significant impact on daily activities. This single-arm trial included seven weekly group sessions targeting positive psychology concepts and techniques that have established benefits in pain management. Results suggest high credibility and engagement in the intervention program. Participants found the weekly session content to be beneficial and global treatment satisfaction was high. Pain intensity (−4.3 [−6.14, −2.54]), pain interference (−3.3 [−4.83, −1.80]), depression (−1.6 [−3.16, −0.04]) and QoL-health satisfaction (0.3 [0.01, 0.55]) improved from pre- to post-intervention. At the 3-month follow-up, improvements were also observed for pain intensity (−2.1 [−9.29, −5.04]), pain interference (−5.3 [−6.54, −2.86]), and QoL-physical health (0.9 [0.11, 1.74]). Results support the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a resilience intervention for older adults with cLBP. These findings may be a step toward the advancement of therapeutic pain modalities and provide a foundation for future research on resilience-promoting interventions for aging populations with chronic pain.