The Comparison of Quality of Life, Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance of People with and without Migraine

Abstract

Aim and Background: Migraine is one of the most common neurological diseases and one of the factors that reduce the overall quality of life of patients. On the other hand, various factors such as psychological characteristics and emotional problems are important in determining the severity of problems caused by this disorder. Two important factors are the emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life, emotion regulation and distress tolerance in migraine and non-migraine individuals. Methods and Materials: The study was a causal-comparative study. The statistical population consisted of all individuals with migraine referring to neurosurgical clinics in Kashan in spring and summer of 2018 as well as non-migraine individuals from the general population. Two groups of 40 individuals, one group of migraine sufferers and the other group of non-disabled individuals, were selected from the statistical population. Participants completed these instruments: World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS). Data analyzed using SPSS-19 software and independent t-test. Findings: There was a significant difference between the two groups in the quality of life (t=-7.56), emotion dysregulation (t= 9.19) and distress tolerance (t=-3.42). Conclusions: People with migraine reported lower quality of life and distress tolerance compared to non-migraine patients. They also had more difficulty adjusting their emotions. These patients are unable to tolerate distress because they cannot relieve their pain. As a result, migraine, as a chronic pain, disrupts daily activities and decreases quality of life.

Keywords

• emotion regulation
• distress tolerance
• migraine
• quality of life