Longitudinal Associations Between Provision of Autonomy Support and Well-Being in Spouses of Individuals With Chronic Pain

Abstract Background Caregiving spouses of individuals with chronic pain often experience poor well-being. Purpose The current study aimed to examine the association between chronic pain–related provision of autonomy support and well-being in support providers (spouses) of individuals with chronic pain. Methods Spouses of individuals with a diagnosed musculoskeletal chronic pain condition (N = 172) were recruited for a five-time point longitudinal study. Participants completed the questionnaires once every 6 months across 2 years. In a follow-up diary study, participants (N = 41) completed daily records of provision of autonomy support and well-being. Results Multilevel analyses showed that provision of autonomy support was associated with greater well-being in support providers at both within-person and between-person levels. Longitudinal cross-lagged analyses also provided some evidence that it is provision of autonomy support that predicts well-being, and not the opposite. These effects held true in the follow-up diary study; however, some findings also suggested that the short-term associations between provision of autonomy support and well-being could be reciprocal. Conclusions Current findings extend the existing literature by suggesting provision of autonomy support as a beneficial type of support for the provider within the chronic pain context and lay the groundwork for caregiver-focused interventions. Provision of autonomy support to individuals with chronic pain (e.g., understanding their perspective, providing choices, encouraging initiation, minimizing pressure) was beneficial for the well-being of support-providing spouses.