Sense of coherence as a predictor of work reentry following multidisciplinary rehabilitation for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain

This study investigated the association between sense of coherence (SOC) and work reentry. One hundred and fifty-three patients with musculoskeletal pain (mean age = 45.6 years, SD = 9.1) were included. SOC, demographics, personal characteristics, work status, pain intensity, pain experience, anxiety, and depression were collected during a 57-week rehabilitation period. SOC significantly improved, and pain experience, anxiety, and depression significantly decreased during the rehabilitation period. SOC was found to significantly predict anxiety and depression in the nonwork reentry subsample (n = 44). No significant association was found between SOC and work reentry. These data clarify the role of SOC in chronic pain and emotional distress and question the role of SOC in predicting work reentry in long-term chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.