Psychological Resilience and Cognitive Distortions and their Relationship to Migraine Severity in a Sample of University Students in Jordan.

Abstract

Objective: Recent research highlights the role of psychological and behavioral factors in the onset and severity of migraines, one of the most prevalent primary headaches. Despite medical advancements, the exact causes of migraines remain unclear, and symptoms can range from moderate to severe, lasting hours or even days. This study aims to examine the relationship between psychological resilience, cognitive distortions, and migraine severity among Jordanian university students.

Methodology: A descriptive-correlational comparative approach was employed. The study sample included 100 male and female students from Jordanian universities. To assess the key variables, the Resilience Scale, Cognitive Distortions Scale, and Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS) were used. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships among the study variables.

Findings: The correlation between migraine severity (MIDAS scores) and cognitive distortions or psychological resilience was weak and not statistically significant (r = -0.041, p = 0.672; r = 0.138, p = 0.151). However, students diagnosed by a physician exhibited significantly higher cognitive distortion scores (B = 18.397, p = 0.022), suggesting a potential link between medical diagnosis and cognitive perception of migraine symptoms.

Implications: These findings contribute to understanding the psychological aspects of migraine severity, indicating that cognitive distortions may play a role in how diagnosed individuals perceive and experience their migraines. This insight could inform psychological interventions to support migraine sufferers.

Conclusion: No significant relationship was found between psychological resilience, cognitive distortions, and migraine severity. However, physician-diagnosed students exhibited higher cognitive distortions, emphasizing the need for further research into the psychological impact of medical diagnoses on migraine perception.