Examining the effects of family and partner relationships on chronic pain experiences in adulthood

The present study is a test of the Biobehavioral Family Model (BBFM) with a national, representative sample of adults with chronic pain in order to enhance our understanding of the effects of relational functioning and mental health on health outcomes. Chronic pain patients (ages 25-74) self-reported their family and intimate partner strain, anxiety, depression, and physical health (n = 1,461). Two models of the BBFM were tested using structural equation modeling. Model 1 used family strain and Model 2 used intimate partner strain (n = 1,070) as measures of family emotional climate for path analyses. Results indicate that the BBFM, using family and intimate partner strain as predictor variables, is able to explain health outcomes for adults experiencing chronic pain.