Effects of Perceived Stress with Musculoskeletal Pain in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objective: Previous psychological research has been made on the role of perceived stress on musculoskeletal pain among adolescents and people working in different job sectors. However, no research has been made on this subject toward the Chinese population and especially the Hong Kong population. Hence, the objective of this research is to evaluate the effects and relationship between perceived stress and musculoskeletal pain and identify the statistical reasoning results of the research through looking into the specific situation in Hong Kong. Methods: In this research, data from Perceived Stress Scale-14 and a self-made pain questionnaire on perceived stress and musculoskeletal pain were collected from the patients of a registered chiropractor in Hong Kong to provide an in-depth study of how musculoskeletal pain correlated with perceived stress and how an individual's mental health would further be affected by both subjects among the Hong Kong population. Results: The findings of the research indicated that perceived stress is correlated with a combination of rather than one type of musculoskeletal pain and there is a significant correlation between one's posture, musculoskeletal pain, and psychological distress. In addition, in terms of the situation in Hong Kong; the working lifestyle and the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle may act as a risk factor on the results related to one's posture being correlated to musculoskeletal pain and perceived stress. Conclusion: It is hoped that this research could enlighten people working in the clinical psychology and chiropractor industries in Hong Kong on the subject of perceived stress and musculoskeletal pain and inform psychology researchers from other countries the situation regarding bodily pain and perceived stress in Hong Kong.