Occupational Performance Coaching for parents of picky eaters: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Picky eating is a common childhood phenomenon that impacts many families' occupations surrounding mealtimes. Evidence of the effectiveness of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) for caregivers of children suggests it may represent a useful occupation-focused intervention for parents of picky eaters. Using an OPC-targeted intervention, this study aims to report preliminary effectiveness, explore the experience of parents' participation, and investigate factors that influence the OPC intervention. METHODS: This study used an explanatory mixed-method design. Parent participants (n = 8) were recruited via purposive sampling and engaged in three sessions of OPC delivered via an online platform between October and December 2022. Standardised assessments were completed before and after OPC and a qualitative semi-structured interview two weeks after the final OPC session. Variables were analysed descriptively, and independent t tests were performed to compare scores on each standardised assessment pre- and post-intervention. Pearson's correlation analyses were conducted to consider associations between resistance to change and the extent of change in each outcome measure. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on postintervention interview transcripts. CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Consumer invovlement was limited to parents feedback on their experiences of the intervention. RESULTS: Improvements in occupational performance as measured by the COPM change score were statistically significant (p = <0.001). Child eating behaviours, as measured by the CEBQ Food Fussiness subscale change score (p = 0.01) and BPFAS change score (p = 0.02), demonstrated significant improvements. The extent to which parents viewed these behaviours as problematic as measured by the BPFAS problem change score, showed a significant reduction (p = <0.001). Three themes emerged from interviews with parents: small changes beyond nutrition, parents supported as the experts, and what parents value within an intervention. CONCLUSION: Targeted OPC intervention delivered online by an occupational therapist may be an effective intervention for parents of picky eaters. Future studies using randomised controls are required before OPC can be routinely recommended in a clinical setting for the management of picky eating in children.

A qualitative inquiry of parents of extremely picky eaters: Experiences, strategies and future directions.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Picky eating is a common childhood phenomenon in younger children, impacting family relationships and mealtimes. Limited qualitative studies have explored parents' experiences of parenting an extremely picky eater. This study aimed to address this gap. METHODS: This exploratory qualitative research design included participants who were Australian-based parents (n = 10) of children aged 2-6 years with a minimum picky eating score of 3.33, indicating extreme picky eating, on the Food Fussiness subscale of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). Parents were interviewed online via Zoom using semi-structured interviews focused on their experiences of having a child who is a picky eater. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: 1: The picky eating journey for parents. 2: Picky eating impacts families and mealtimes. 3: Parents have attempted multiple strategies to manage picky eating. 4: Emotions associated with parenting an extremely picky eater. 5: Parents of extremely picky eaters have a positive outlook for the future. CONCLUSION: This qualitative study demonstrates that parents' experiences of parenting an extremely picky eater are varied. Parents desire health professionals who listen to their concerns and provide evidence-based knowledge around parent feeding practices to positively impact picky eating.

Picky eating in children: Current clinical trends, practices, and observations within the Australian health-care context.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Childhood picky eating occurs when there is limited intake or variety of food and/or unwillingness to try new foods. Within research settings, standardised assessments are used to describe picky eating behaviours in children. However, little is known about assessment practices of occupational therapists. Similarly, occupational therapy interventions for picky eating in the literature focus on; providing strategies for parents, and working with the child on self-feeding skills. Despite this, interventions and strategies utilised by occupational therapists in clinical practice within an Australian health-care context are unknown. This study examines Australian health professionals' observations of picky eating behaviours, the use of childhood picky eating assessments and interventions, and differences between occupational therapists and other professionals. METHODS: Health professionals (n = 179) were recruited through professional organisations, such as Occupational Therapy Australia. Participants completed an online survey between March and May 2021. Independent variables were reported using descriptive statistics, with logistic regression used to consider differences between occupational therapists and other health professionals. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse responses to open-ended questions. RESULTS: The final sample included 109 eligible participants, with an average of 8.5 years working with picky eaters. Results indicated picky eating behaviours aligned with those reported in the literature. Participants relied on clinical observations and workplace designed assessments. The most common interventions were education, coaching, and the sequential oral sensory approach to feeding. Occupational therapy participants were significantly more likely than other health professional participants to report always using coaching and education. CONCLUSION: Although few health professionals used standardised or validated assessments, the use of education and coaching by occupational therapists aligned with the literature. Results highlight the need for more rigorous investigation to determine the sensitivity of current assessments to differentiate between clinical and typical picky eating, and the effectiveness of interventions for childhood picky eating.

Women pregnant after previous perinatal loss: relationships between adult attachment, shame, and prenatal psychological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Insecure adult attachment, shame, self-blame, and isolation following perinatal loss place bereaved women at risk of adverse psychological outcomes, which can impact child and family outcomes. To date, no research has considered how these variables continue to influence women's psychological health in pregnancy subsequent to loss. OBJECTIVE: This study explored associations between prenatal psychological adjustment (less grief and distress) and adult attachment, shame, and social connectedness, in women pregnant after loss. METHOD: Twenty-nine pregnant Australian women accessing a Pregnancy After Loss Clinic (PALC) completed measures of attachment styles, shame, self-blame, social connectedness, perinatal grief, and psychological distress. RESULTS: Four 2-step hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed adult attachment (secure/avoidant/anxious; Step 1), shame, self-blame, and social connectedness (Step 2) explained 74% difficulty coping, 74% total grief, 65% despair, and 57% active grief. Avoidant attachment predicted more difficulty coping and higher levels of despair. Self-blame predicted more active grief, difficulty coping, and despair. Social connectedness predicted lower active grief, and significantly mediated relationships between perinatal grief and all three attachment patterns (secure/avoidant/anxious). CONCLUSIONS: Although avoidant attachment and self-blame can heighten grief in pregnancy after loss, focusing on social connectedness may be a helpful way for prenatal clinicians to support pregnant women during their subsequent pregnancy - and in grief.

The Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Attachment Patterns: A Scoping Review.

Background. Clinicians and researchers have observed that sensory processing and attachment difficulties frequently co-occur; however, little is known about which sensory processing and attachment patterns are interrelated across populations. Purpose. To review evidence of empirical relationships between sensory processing and attachment patterns across the life span. Method. Using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, four databases were searched up to June 2021 for studies that investigated relationships between sensory processing and attachment patterns. Findings. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria: nine considered sensory and attachment patterns in children/adolescents and thirteen in adults. In children, sensory modulation was positively associated with attachment security. In adults, more extreme patterns of sensory modulation (e.g., higher sensory sensitivity) were generally associated with attachment insecurity. Implications. Findings indicate empirical relationships between sensory processing and attachment constructs in children and adults that warrant further investigation. Occupational therapists should consider both sensory processing and attachment patterns when planning interventions.

Language skills and interpersonal trust in adolescents with and without mental illness.

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to compare adolescents with mental illness and non-clinical adolescents on vocabulary, social problem-solving, trust in parents, attachment and mentalisation. A secondary aim was to investigate whether adolescents' language skills were associated with trust in parents. METHOD: Seventy-eight adolescents (16-18 years) participated in this cross-sectional quantitative study: a clinical sample (n = 28, M = 16.7 years, 19F) recruited from a mental health service and a non-clinical sample (n = 50, M = 17.0 years, 28F). Standardised language measures and self-report measures of trust in parents; communication quality; attachment; and mentalisation were used. Primary and secondary aims were addressed through independent samples t-tests and Pearson's correlation analyses, respectively. RESULT: Adolescents experiencing mental illness reported significantly poorer vocabulary, less trust in mother/father, greater attachment anxiety/avoidance, and poorer reflective functioning, than non-clinical adolescents. Expressive vocabulary of clinical (but not non-clinical) adolescents significantly negatively correlated with trust in mother (but not father). CONCLUSION: Results highlight a role for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in supporting communication needs of adolescents with mental illness. SLPs should consider trust by: i) understanding adolescents with mental illness may have difficulty trusting them potentially impacting therapeutic engagement; and ii) delivering services in ways that might build trust, such as involving adolescents in treatment planning.

Lived experiences of adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

AIM: To explore the lived experiences of adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to understand: the ways in which their challenges influence daily functioning; and the personal assets and external resources that facilitate participation. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four adolescents (one identified as non-binary, one male, and two female) with FASD aged 13 to 15 years. A photo elicitation approach facilitated participation, whereby adolescents first took photographs of their daily activities and environments. Photographs were subsequently used to generate discussion during the interviews. Data analysis involved using interpretative phenomenological analysis to generate themes. RESULTS: Two superordinate themes and three subthemes relating to participants' lived experiences emerged from the interviews: (1) 'anxiety challenges participation' (subthemes [i] 'need for external support'; [ii] 'the power of positive relationships'; and [iii] 'talents and interests facilitate participation') and (2) 'importance of a unique identity'. INTERPRETATION: Findings illustrated the barriers adolescents experienced regarding their daily functioning and independence. Additionally, incorporating strengths into daily activities appeared to reduce anxiety and improve participation, and adolescents desired for their unique characteristics to be recognized and appreciated. To support adolescents with FASD, service providers should consider incorporating strengths-based approaches and an explicit focus on facilitating the development of positive self-identities. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Anxiety often prevented adolescents' independent participation in social activities, requiring caregiver assistance. Strengths (e.g. talents, positive relationships) facilitated adolescents' participation and reduced their anxiety. Clinicians and researchers should consider strengths-based approaches to interventions targeting participation. Interventions for adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder could focus on developing a positive self-identity.

Exploring mentalization, trust, communication quality, and alienation in adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the importance of mentalization for adolescents' psychosocial functioning; however, further research is needed to understand links between mentalization and other socio-cognitive factors. The aim of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between a teen's capacity to mentalize and three attachment-related factors: parent-teen trust, parent-teen communication, and parent-teen alienation. METHODS: In an online survey, 82 (mainly) Australian adolescents (57 female; 23 male; 2 non-binary; mean age 17.09 years) completed: i) The Children's Eyes Test, which measured mentalization; and ii) The Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment-45, which measured trust, communication quality, and alienation. RESULTS: In teens' relationships with both mothers and fathers, trust and communication quality were significantly positively correlated (p = .001) when controlling for age and gender. Both were significantly negatively correlated with alienation (p = .001) with control variables included. Capacity to mentalize did not correlate with trust, communication quality, or alienation in relationships with either mothers or fathers (p ≤ .05). CONCLUSIONS: Possible reasons are proposed for why no relationship was found between mentalization and trust, communication quality, or alienation. Implications for future research are discussed.

Experiences of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Their Families: A Critical Review.

Evidence suggests that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience challenges across many areas of their daily lives and often require interprofessional supports. Recent studies have emphasized the need for an integrated system of care for children with FASD, incorporating medical, allied health, and education services, to facilitate open communication and support for the complex needs that many children experience. To develop such a system of care, it is important to first understand the impact of FASD on children's functioning during daily activities in different environmental contexts. A critical review of existing research was conducted using a critical interpretive synthesis approach. Results revealed that while many studies discussed impacts at the body functions and structures level of children with FASD, they often did not consider the activity, participation, and environmental factors also contributing to the daily functioning of this population. Several studies discussed caregiver experiences and challenges raising a child with FASD; however, no studies investigated the lived experiences relating to impacts across activities and environments from children's perspectives. In addition, the focus on deficits overshadowed investigation into the strengths of children with FASD, leaving a gap in the picture of their daily lives. Further research is required to determine the strengths that children with FASD demonstrate and the challenges impacting their daily functioning within different environmental contexts. Insights gleaned from such research would support intervention practices to become more holistic and interprofessional.

Approach to activity engagement and differences in activity participation in chronic pain: A five-day observational study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Activity pacing is one of the most widely endorsed interventions used by occupational therapists to assist clients to manage chronic pain conditions. It targets two behaviours that are thought to be maladaptive: activity avoidance and overactivity (activity engagement that severely aggravates pain). However, in more recent years, the potential for activity pacing to negatively impact activity participation has been recognised which deters habitually overactive individuals from adopting the self-management strategy. The main aim of this study was to evaluate if variances in activity participation can be explained by how individuals approach activity engagement when in pain. METHODS: Sixty-eight adults with chronic pain completed a demographic questionnaire, the Pain and Activity Relations Questionnaire (PARQ), and recorded their participation in activities for five days using a paper diary. Two of the authors independently coded the recorded activities into one of three time-use categories: rest, productivity or leisure/social. A MANCOVA model was produced to examine differences in time use across four 'approach to activity engagement' categories which were determined by scores on the PARQ. RESULTS: A significant multivariate effect was found. Univariate comparisons revealed that 'overactives' (high overactivity, low avoidance) and 'pacers' (low overactivity, low avoidance) spent a similar amount of time resting over the five-day period. 'Overactives' spent the most amount of time on productive tasks and the least amount of time on social/leisure activities out of the four subgroups. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that activity pacing does not negatively impact on activity participation in chronic pain populations. 'Pacers' spent a similar amount of time resting, and had a slightly better balance between productive tasks and leisure/social activities, when compared to 'overactives'. The results of this study can be incorporated into patient education and highlight potential treatment avenues for individuals with chronic pain who are habitually overactive.

The experience of persistent pain and quality of life among women following treatment for breast cancer: An attachment perspective.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate associations between attachment and the presence of persistent pain in women following treatment for breast cancer and to investigate the relationship between attachment, pain, and quality of life (QOL) in women with persistent pain. METHODS: Women (N = 335) previously diagnosed with primary non-metastatic breast cancer completed an online survey with measures of attachment, pain, QOL, demographics, and medical history. Variables were compared between women with (N = 128) and without (N = 207) persistent pain. For those reporting pain, regression analyses were conducted to investigate relationships between attachment, pain, and QOL. RESULTS: Higher attachment anxiety, but not attachment avoidance, was related to the presence of persistent pain. Among women with persistent pain, associations between attachment anxiety and avoidance and greater pain intensity were lost when pain catastrophizing was considered in analysis. Significant associations between attachment and diminished QOL and perceived effectiveness of pain management were identified in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings extend the available literature regarding associations between pain and attachment insecurity. In women with pain after breast cancer treatment, attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with negative pain and QOL outcomes. Further attention regarding the use of attachment-informed approaches in supporting women following breast cancer treatment is indicated.

What do clinicians consider when assessing chronic low back pain? A content analysis of multidisciplinary pain centre team assessments of functioning, disability, and health.

Beyond expert suggestions as to the appropriate subject matter for chronic pain assessments, little is known about the actual content of multidisciplinary pain centre (MPC) clinical assessments. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Low Back Pain Core Set (ICF LBP-CS) provides a universal language to support the consistent description of LBP-related assessments across disciplines within multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). This study sought to map the content of MPC clinical assessments to the ICF to: (1) identify and compare the content of clinical MDT assessments using a cross-disciplinary framework and (2) examine the content validity of the LBP-CS. A qualitative examination of MPC team clinical assessments of chronic low back pain was undertaken. Multidisciplinary team (pain medicine, psychiatry, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychology) assessments were audio-recorded and transcribed. Concepts were extracted from transcripts using a meaning condensation procedure and then linked to the ICF. Across 7 MDT assessments, comprised 42 discipline-specific assessments and 241,209 transcribed words, 8596 concepts were extracted. Contextual factors (ie, the person and environment), except for physiotherapy, accounted for almost half of each discipline's assessments (range: 49%-58%). Concepts spanned 113 second-level ICF categories, including 73/78 LBP-CS categories. Overall, the findings revealed novel insights into the content of MPC clinical assessments that can be used to improve health care delivery. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-based assessment profiles demonstrated unique contributions from each discipline to chronic low back pain assessment. Finally, users of the LBP-CS can be confident that the tool exhibits sound content validity from the perceptive of MDT assessments of functioning, disability, and health.

A role for epistemic trust in speech-language pathology: A tutorial paper.

This paper provides an introduction to epistemic trust for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). 'Epistemic trust' describes a specific form of trust that an individual places in others when learning about the world, particularly the social world. To date, the relevance of epistemic trust to SLP clinical practice has received little theoretical or empirical attention. The aim of this paper is to define epistemic trust and explain its relationship with parent-child attachment and mentalization which have, in turn, been linked with language development and use. Suggestions are made for ways in which SLPs may encourage epistemic trust in clients, emphasizing the need to establish strong therapeutic alliances. The authors conclude that epistemic trust is an important consideration for SLPs and that further research exploring the relationship between epistemic trust and language skills is needed to better understand the interplay of these variables and inform clinical practice.

Mental health education in occupational therapy professional preparation programs: Alignment between clinician priorities and coverage in university curricula.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Occupational therapy programs must prepare graduates for work in mental health. However, this area of practice is complex and rapidly changing. This study explored the alignment between educational priorities identified by occupational therapists practising in mental health and level of coverage of these topics in occupational therapy programs in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: Surveys were distributed to heads of all occupational therapy programs across Australia and New Zealand. The survey included educational priorities identified by occupational therapists in mental health from a previous study. Respondents were requested to identify the level of coverage given to each of these priorities within their curriculum. These data were analysed to determine a ranking of educational topics in terms of level of coverage in university programs. RESULTS: Responses were received for 19 programs from 16 universities. Thirty-four topics were given 'High-level coverage' in university programs, and these were compared against the 29 topics classified as 'Essential priorities' by clinicians. Twenty topics were included in both the 'Essential priorities' and 'High-level coverage' categories. Topics considered to be 'Essential priorities' by clinicians which were not given 'High-level coverage' in university programs included the following: mental health fieldwork experiences; risk assessment and management; professional self-care resilience and sensory approaches. CONCLUSION: While there appears to be overall good alignment between mental health curricula and priorities identified by practising occupational therapists, there are some discrepancies. These discrepancies are described and establish a strong foundation for further discussion between clinicians, academics and university administration to support curriculum review and revision.

Rasch analysis supported the construct validity of self-report measures of activity and participation derived from patient ratings of the ICF low back pain core set.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether measures of activity limitations and participation restrictions with sound internal construct validity could be derived from patient ratings of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Low Back Pain Core Set (LBP-CS). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The LBP-CS Self-Report Checklist (LBP-CS-SRC) was developed to permit patients to self-rate their functioning according to an extended set of activity and participation categories from the LBP-CS. Rasch analysis was used to examine the validity of the LBP-CS-SRC with a sample of 308 adults with chronic low back pain attending two tertiary-referral outpatient services in Brisbane, Australia. RESULTS: The activity limitations and participation restrictions qualifier scales functioned satisfactorily, and the LBP-CS-SRC person response validity was good. After deletion of six misfitting items, the dimensionality results supported using the instrument as distinct measures of activity limitations (17 items) and participation restrictions (10 items). The activity and participation measures both had good person separation reliability, and no component items exhibited meaningful differential item functioning. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that measures of activity and participation with sound internal construct validity can be derived from patient ratings of LBP-CS categories. The LBP-CS-SRC can be used in clinical practice and epidemiologic research to support understanding of patients' perspectives on functioning.

Self-reported disability according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Low Back Pain Core Set: Test-retest agreement and reliability.

BACKGROUND: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Low Back Pain Core Set (LBP-CS) has been proposed as a tool to facilitate the description and measurement of chronic low back pain (CLBP) related disability. Patient ratings of ICF categories may serve as a practical and effective method for acquiring patient input on activity limitations and participation restrictions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the test-retest agreement and reliability of patient ratings of activity and participation according to the LBP-CS. METHODS: A cross-sectional repeated-measures questionnaire study was undertaken with thirty-one medically stable adults with CLBP who presented for treatment at two public Australian hospitals. Participants completed the LBP-CS Self-Report Checklist (LBP-CS-SRC) on two occasions (mean = 12.5 (SD = 4.5) days between administrations). The LBP-CS-SRC permits patients to self-rate their functioning according to the LBP-CS activity and participation categories and enables the derivation of activity limitation and participation restriction scales. RESULTS: Patient ratings of individual LBP-CS categories generally exhibited good - excellent test-retest agreement (percentage exact agreement: 74.19-100.00%) and reliability (kappa: 0.53-1.00). The test-retest reliability coefficients of the LBP-CS-SRC activity (ICC = 0.94) and participation (ICC = 0.90) scales were excellent. The minimum detectable change values for the activity and participation scales were 8.11 and 15.26, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to demonstrate that patients can provide reliable ratings of functioning using the LBP-CS. The LBP-CS-SRC was shown to be acceptably reliable and precise to support understanding of patients' perspectives on disability in rehabilitation practice and research.

Adult Attachment, Sensory Processing, and Distress in Healthy Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To better understand the ways in which adult attachment, sensory processing, and distress may be interrelated in healthy adults. METHOD: A cross-sectional study design was used with a convenience sample of 116 healthy participants who completed questionnaires before participating in a cold pressor pain-inducement task. RESULTS: Attachment anxiety was significantly positively correlated with sensory sensitivity as measured using the Highly Sensitive Persons Scale and the Sensory Profile and with distress (i.e., stress, anxiety, and depression). Associations between attachment anxiety and both sensory sensitivity variables were lost when controlling for stress. Attachment avoidance was correlated only with sensory sensitivity measured using the Sensory Profile, and this relationship was retained when controlling for stress. Neither the attachment nor the stress variables were associated with sensation seeking. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that developing active coping approaches to deal with sensory sensitivities may be a valuable way to minimize distress. Recommendations for future research are provided.

The Relationship Between Approach to Activity Engagement, Specific Aspects of Physical Function, and Pain Duration in Chronic Pain.

OBJECTIVES: To examine: (1) the relationships between habitual approach to activity engagement and specific aspects of physical functioning in chronic pain; and (2) whether or not these relationships differ according to pain duration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Outpatients (N=169) with generalized chronic pain completed a set of written questionnaires. Categories of "approach to activity engagement" were created using the confronting and avoidance subscales of the Pain and Activity Relations Questionnaire. An interaction term between "approach to activity engagement" categories and pain duration was entered into analysis with age, sex, pain intensity, the categorical "approach to activity engagement" variable, and pain duration, in 9 ordinal regression models investigating functioning in a variety of daily activities. RESULTS: The "approach to activity engagement" category predicted the personal care, lifting, sleeping, social life, and traveling aspects of physical functioning but, interestingly, not the performance skills used during these activities, that is, walking, sitting, and standing. The interaction term was significant in 2 models; however, the effect of pain duration on associations was the inverse of that theorized, with the relationship between variables becoming less pronounced with increasing duration of pain. DISCUSSION: The results of this study do not support the commonly held notion that avoidance and/or overactivity behavior leads to deconditioning and reduced physical capacity over time. Findings do, however, suggest that a relationship exists between avoidance and/or overactivity behavior and reduced participation in activities. Implications for the clinical management of chronic pain and directions for further research are discussed.

Sensory Sensitivity and Strategies for Coping With Pain.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to investigate the relationship between sensory processing styles and use of pain coping strategies in an experimental setting to understand individual differences in pain coping. METHOD: A cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 116 healthy adults. Measures of sensory processing style and mood state were collected before participation in a cold pressor pain-inducement task, and measures of coping strategies were collected afterward. Multiple regression models were constructed to examine relationships between sensory processing and coping strategies. RESULTS: Sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding were significantly associated with higher levels of catastrophizing. Sensation seeking was linked with active coping strategies, such as coping self-statements. Low registration was not significantly associated with any particular coping strategy after controlling for salient variables. CONCLUSION: This study highlights associations between sensory processing and pain coping strategies, which may inform more tailored approaches to clinical practice for people in pain.