The Impact of Web-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Pain Self-Efficacy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rahil  Omidvar; Mahdi Nayyeri; Saeed  Teimoori

doi:10.61838/kman.jarac.6.2.18

Authors

Rahil Omidvar PhD student of health psychology, Department of Psychology, Torbat-e Jam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Torbat-e Jam, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1158-6113
Mahdi Nayyeri Assistant Professor,PhD of health psychology, Department of Psychology, Torbat-e Jam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Torbat-e Jam, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7592-2307
Saeed Teimoori Associate Professor, PhD in psychology of exceptional children Department of Psychology, Torbat-e Jam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Torbat-e Jam, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1916-7770

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.6.2.18

Keywords:

Web-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Pain Self-Efficacy, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in enhancing pain self-efficacy among patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic condition characterized by significant pain and functional limitations.

Methods and Materials: Employing a quasi-experimental design, the study recruited adult RA patients aged 30-60 years from specialized clinics in Mashhad, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received web-based CBT sessions focused on managing pain and improving self-efficacy, or the control group, which received no such intervention. The intervention consisted of eight sessions designed to educate patients on pain management, cognitive restructuring, and coping strategies. Data on pain self-efficacy were collected at three points: pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and at a follow-up session using the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). Data were analyzed with analysis of variance with repeated measurements and post-hoc tests using SPSS-22.

Findings: Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in pain self-efficacy scores in the intervention group compared to the control group at post-test and follow-up stages (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly improves pain self-efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, providing a feasible and effective approach to managing chronic pain and enhancing patients' beliefs in their ability to control pain.