Document Type : Original Article
Researcher
student
Ministerial Ethics Committee
Introduction
The present study investigates the role of chronic pain in delay discounting among adolescents and examines the moderating effect of working memory capacity on this relationship. Chronic pain, defined as pain lasting more than three months, can negatively impact cognitive abilities and decision-making behaviors. These effects are particularly significant during adolescence, a critical developmental period. Delay discounting refers to the tendency to prefer immediate rewards over larger but delayed ones and is associated with various outcomes, including unhealthy and impulsive behaviors. On the other hand, working memory, as a key cognitive factor, plays a fundamental role in regulating decision-related behaviors. This study aims to explore the role of working memory capacity as a cognitive factor in the influence of chronic pain on delay discounting and decision-making in adolescents.
Objectives
The main objective of this study is to identify and analyze the effects of chronic pain on decision-making processes and examine the role of working memory in this relationship.
Methods
This research employs a causal-comparative design, with the study population comprising adolescents with chronic pain due to cancer and healthy adolescents. The tools used include the Pediatric Pain Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Intensity Scale, verbal working memory tests (Digit Span), non-verbal working memory tests (Spatial Span), and a delay discounting task. The data will be analyzed using hierarchical regression.
Significance
These findings can contribute to improving the quality of life for adolescents with chronic pain by identifying the role of cognitive factors in their decision-making processes.