Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2013, Counselor Education and Supervision

The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of functional outcomes (physical and psychosocial daily functioning) and self-efficacy among persons with chronic pain. Specifically, the present study investigated whether mindfulness (observing, describing, acting with awareness, and accepting without judgment), psychological flexibility, and emotional intelligence predicted better overall daily functioning and greater self-efficacy in chronic pain patients. The sample (N= 148) consisted of individuals 18 years of age or older who have struggled with a chronic pain condition for more than three months and who were seeking treatment in a pain management treatment center in a Midwestern state. Participants completed the following measures: Demographic Questionnaire, Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale, Pain Disability Index, and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Two multiple regression analyses were utilized, each controlling for demographic factors found to correlate with overall daily functioning or self-efficacy. Results indicated that psychological flexibility significantly predicted both daily functioning level and self-efficacy among chronic pain patients. Emotional intelligence significantly predicted self-efficacy (but not daily functioning level) among chronic pain patients. Mindfulness was not found to significantly correlate with either daily functioning level or self-efficacy. Implications for clinical practice, as well as counselor education and supervision were reviewed. Recommendations for future research were also provided.

Committee: Robert Schwartz Dr. (Advisor); Sandra Perosa Dr. (Committee Member); Varunee Sangganjanavanich Dr. (Committee Member); Kuldhir Bhati Dr. (Committee Member); Alan Kornspan Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Education