An appraisal of the fit of a cognitive behavioural model of headache in University students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fit of a cognitive behavioural model of headache in the population of University students, from Córdoba, Argentina. The direct and indirect contributions to pain intensity of control beliefs, beliefs and thoughts about pain and coping strategies were determined, as were the direct contributions of pain behaviours and disability. The sample was comprised of 382 students of both genders from several Universities. Multiple instruments were administered to measure the variables proposed in the cognitive behavioural model of headache followed by a descriptive and exploratory analysis of the data. Structural equation modelling was used and revealed an acceptable fit of the model but with lower levels than the criteria proposed. The model was therefore redefined by eliminating two indicators and was then found to achieve a better fit (CFI = .91; GFI = .95) and an optimal RMSEA index of .05. The new model explained 47% of the variance of headache intensity. All the variables of the model predicted pain intensity directly, with beliefs and thoughts about pain having the greatest predictive value (β = 0.68).