The indirect relationship of self-kindness and anxiety and pain intensity through the affectivity: prospective study in Polish patients with chronic pain

Introduction As previous research suggests, self-compassion may be an effective way of managing pain and protecting against mental health disorders in patients struggling with chronic pain. On the other hand, the role of emotional well-being in these relationships remains unexplained. Based on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, this study assumed that self-kindness can be indirectly related to pain intensity and anxiety via positive and negative affect. Methods This prospective study was conducted at two time points, with a 4-month break between the first and second research wa