Predictors of psychosocial and functional outcomes in Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia: Application of the fear avoidance model

Jackowich, Robyn A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1125-8141, Poirier, Eveline and Pukall, Caroline F. 2024. Predictors of psychosocial and functional outcomes in Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia: Application of the fear avoidance model. The Journal of Pain 25 (1) , pp. 238-249. 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.08.008

Preview

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (826kB) | Preview

Abstract

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD), which affects up to 4.3% of individuals, is a distressing and poorly understood condition characterized by persistent, unwanted, and often painful sensations of genito-pelvic arousal (e.g., throbbing) in the absence of sexual desire. PGAD/GPD is associated with significant negative impacts on psychosocial wellbeing and daily functioning. Recent research has indicated that PGAD/GPD shares many similarities with other forms of chronic genito-pelvic pain. This study applied the Fear Avoidance (FA) Model of chronic pain to PGAD/GPD to identify cognitive and behavioral factors associated with psychosocial and functional outcomes. A total of 263 individuals with PGAD/GPD symptoms completed a cross-sectional online survey of symptom intensity, cognitive and behavioral predictors (symptom catastrophizing, hypervigilance to symptoms, symptom fear and avoidance, self-efficacy), depression symptoms, and role functioning. Symptom catastrophizing, fear of symptoms, avoidance of symptoms, and hypervigilance to PGAD/GPD symptoms were significantly correlated with poorer psychosocial and functional outcomes, whereas higher self-efficacy was significantly associated with lower depression and better role functioning. Two serial parallel mediation models examined the fear avoidance pathway from PGAD/GPD symptom intensity to depression symptoms and role functioning. In both models, the pathway through symptom catastrophizing, fear of symptoms, and symptom avoidance was significant, but the pathway through symptom catastrophizing, fear of symptoms, and symptom hypervigilance was not. The results of this study provide support for the applicability of the FA Model to PGAD/GPD. Interventions targeting fear avoidance factors may help to reduce PGAD/GPD symptom intensity, distress, and increase psychological wellbeing and daily functioning.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	1526-5900
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	22 August 2023
Date of Acceptance:	12 August 2023
Last Modified:	15 Jan 2024 15:59
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/161980

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item