Self-efficacy beliefs mediate the association between pain intensity and pain interference in acute/subacute whiplash-associated disorders

To evaluate whether a set of pre-accident demographic, accident-related, post-accident treatment and psychosocial factors assessed in people with acute/subacute whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) mediate the association between pain intensity and: (1) interference (2) expectations recovery, using Bayesian networks (BNs) analyses. This study also explored potential mediating pathways (if any) different factors. was cross-sectional conducted on sample 173 participants WAD. Pain intensity, interference, pessimism, catastrophizing, self-efficacy beliefs were assessed. BN analyses to analyse effects psychological pain-related outcomes. The results revealed that partially mediated interference. Kinesiophobia catastrophizing. Psychological did not recovery. These indicate individuals WAD may present lesser associated determined value when they show greater beliefs. As nature this limits firm conclusions causal impact, researchers are encouraged investigate role patient’s play transition chronic via longitudinal designs.