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Introduction: This study examined the efficacy of a brief inpatient psychoeducational intervention on knowledge about acute coronary syndromes (ACS), control of risk factors, and adaptive health habits and lifestyle. The intervention was intended to facilitate rehabilitation after ACS and its short- and medium-term impact was assessed. Methods: One hundred and twenty-one patients with ACS, admitted to a central cardiology unit in Portugal, were randomized to an experimental group (EG, n=65) or a control group (CG, n=56). We used the Portuguese versions of the Knowledge Questionnaire and the Health Habits Questionnaire. Patients were assessed at hospital admission, hospital discharge and one- and two-month follow-up. Results: The intervention had a significant impact, increasing knowledge about ACS (F=500.834; p=0.000) in the EG, which was maintained at two-month follow-up, and changing health habits at two-month follow-up (F=218.129; p=0.000). The CG demonstrated decreased knowledge (F=3.368; p=0.069) during the same period. Conclusions: A brief inpatient psychoeducational intervention has a positive effect on knowledge about ACS, risk factor control and promotion of positive health habits, and is effective in improving cardiac rehabilitation. Resumo: Introdução: Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia de um programa de intervenção psicológica breve, na fase I da reabilitação cardíaca pós-síndroma coronária aguda (SCA), nos conhecimentos da doença e tratamento, controlo de fatores de risco e hábitos de saúde e estilo de vida. A intervenção foi realizada com vista a facilitar a reabilitação pós-SCA, tendo-se avaliado o impacto da mesma a curto e a médio prazo. Material e métodos: Foram aleatorizados 121 doentes com SCA, admitidos na Unidade Coronária de um hospital central, num Grupo Experimental (GE, n = 65) e Grupo de Controlo (GC, n = 56). As versões portuguesas do Questionário de Conhecimentos acerca da Doença e Tratamento e do Questionário de Hábitos de Saúde avaliaram os conhecimentos acerca da doença e tratamento e os hábitos e estilo de vida. Os doentes foram avaliados na admissão e alta hospitalar bem como um e dois meses após a alta. Resultados: Verificamos um aumento significativo dos conhecimentos sobre a SCA (F = 500,834; p = 0,000) no GE, o qual se manteve aos dois meses. Os resultados revelaram ainda efeitos significativos da intervenção na alteração dos hábitos de saúde no GE aos dois meses (F = 218,129; p = 0,000). O GC evidenciou uma diminuição do nível de conhecimentos (F = 3.368; p = 0,069) no mesmo período. Conclusões: Uma intervenção psicoeducativa breve aplicada no momento da hospitalização tem um efeito positivo no aumento do conhecimento sobre a SCA, controlo de fatores de risco e promoção de hábitos de saúde positivos, sendo eficaz na melhoria da reabilitação cardíaca. Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome, Brief hospital-based psychosocial intervention, Health education, Palavras-chave: Síndroma coronária aguda, Intervenção psicológica breve, Educação para a saúde

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two psychosocial interventions (Didactic and ACCENT) on socio-cognitive risk factors, in vulnerable Mozambican women at risk for HIV/AIDS infection. The study design was a randomized controlled trial on Mozambican women at HIV/AIDS risk (n = 150). The participants were randomized into three groups: Didactic Intervention (experimental group), ACCENT intervention (experimental group), and control group. We used an adapted version of the Women's Health Questionnaire, which includes a series of scales and questionnaires assessing psychosocial relevant dimensions to female protection towards HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS knowledge, condom use negotiation self-efficacy, and perceived barriers against safer sex. Both interventions were equally effective in increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge. The ACCENT intervention was especially effective in promoting condom use negotiation self-efficacy and in decreasing perceived barriers against safer sex, essential variables for sexual protection. These results support the adaptation of Western interventions to the African context.

This study compares the efficacy of 2 psychoeducational interventions—ACCENT skills-based and didactic information only—to prevent HIV among Portuguese women. At posttest and follow-up, participants in both intervention groups (n = 127) were more knowledgeable about HIV than at baseline. Although both intervention groups showed an increase in self-reported condom use over time, differences were marginally stronger in the ACCENT group. Both intervention groups showed more positive results than the non-intervention control group (n = 33). The study suggests that HIV prevention interventions can produce significant changes when they target a set of knowledge, social, and cognitive variables relevant to sexual behavior change.

Este estudo compara o ajustamento psicossocial a doenca em mulheres com cancro da mama submetidas a cirurgia de conservacao e mastectomia, prevendo diferencas entre os dois grupos. Procura ainda avaliar se ha diferencas no ajustamento ao longo de quatro momentos de avaliacao. A amostra foi constituida por 74 mulheres no estadio I-III da doenca submetidas a cirurgia. Todas as mulheres responderam a questionarios de baseline, antes da cirurgia, e foram seguidas longitudinalmente ate ao final dos tratamentos. As dimensoes do ajustamento psicossocial avaliadas foram o estado emocio - nal, as representacoes da doenca e a funcionalidade, nao se tendo verificado diferencas no ajustamento, para a grande maioria das variaveis psicossociais estudadas, em funcao do tipo de cirurgia. Contudo, encontramos diferencas significativas para as representacoes de doenca (compreensao da doenca) e para a funcionalidade (categoria lazer, sono e dimensao psicossocial), tendo os resultados sido mais favoraveis para as mulheres que realizaram uma mastectomia. Estes resultados sao inesperados uma vez que a cirurgia de conservacao pretende proporcionar um resultado cosmetico mais satisfatorio e com taxas de sobrevivencia equivalentes as da mastectomia, fazendo supor que se conseguiria obter um melhor ajustamento psicossocial. Os dados encontrados sugerem que o tipo de cirurgia nao parece predizer o ajustamento psicossocial. No entanto, considera-se que implicar as doentes na escolha do tipo de cirurgia, sempre que isso seja possivel, pode beneficiar uma compreensao mais ajustada acerca da doenca e do tratamento, com repercussoes mais favoraveis ao nivel emocional e da funcionalidade. The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial adjustment differences between breast cancer women who underwent a lumpectomy or mastectomy, predicting differences between the two groups. The participants were 74 Portuguese recently diagnosed breast cancer patients, recruited in the main Oncology Hospital of the North of Portugal. The study design is longitudinal with four-time points: before surgery (baseline); two weeks after surgery, during adjuvant treatments; and at the end of adjuvant treatment. The evaluated dimensions were emotional state, illness perception and illness functional limitations. We didn’t find differences for most of the variables, between the two groups. However, we find significant differences for comprehension (illness perception) and for leisure, sleep and psychosocial dimension (perceived functioning), with better adjustment for women who underwent mastectomy. These results are unexpected since conservation surgery aims to provide a more satisfying cosmetic outcome and survival rates equivalent to those of mastectomy, assuming a better psychosocial adjustment. The data suggest that the type of surgery doesn’t seem to predict the psychosocial adjustment. However, involving patients in choosing surgery type, whenever it is possible, can benefits a better understanding about the disease and the treatment, with more favourable repercussions on the emotional level and functionality. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a well-recognized potential complication with negative personal, social, and health care consequences. However, limited data exist on CPSP and on the course of pain over time after hysterectomy. Using data from a prospective cohort study on a consecutive sample assessed at 4 time points, presurgery (T1), 48 hours (T2), 4 months (T3), and 5 years postsurgery (T4), we sought to examine women's PSP trajectories using assessments of pain at T3 and T4. In addition, this study aimed to investigate presurgical and postsurgical risk factors associated with an unfavourable pain trajectory (PT). Based on pain data collected at T3 and T4, 3 distinct trajectories of PSP emerged: no CPSP (PT1; n = 88), prolonged PSP (PT2; n = 53), and CPSP (PT3; n = 29). Moreover, reported CPSP prevalence at 5 years was 17.1%. Multinomial logistic regression models controlling for age, presurgical pain, and type of hysterectomy tested for baseline and acute postsurgical predictive variables. Membership in PT2 and PT3 was predicted by presurgical anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 1.131, P = 0.015; OR = 1.175, P = 0.009, respectively), emotional representation of the surgical disease (OR = 1.155, P = 0.034; OR = 1.213, P = 0.020, respectively), and pain catastrophizing (OR = 1.079, P = 0.043; OR = 1.143, P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, acute PSP intensity and frequency determined membership of women in PT3 (OR = 1.211, P = 0.033; OR = 3.000, P = 0.029, respectively), and postsurgical anxiety (OR = 1.182, P = 0.026) also played a key predictive role. This study identified factors that can be easily screened before and after surgery and are amenable to change through carefully designed timely and tailored interventions for women at risk of an unfavorable PSP trajectory posthysterectomy., This work was supported by 2 grants (SFRH/BD/36368/2007 and SFRH/BPD/103529/2014) from the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background: Young women make up most cases of HIV infection in Portugal (e.g., 26% in 2012), but their sexual behaviour, ability to recognize sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk in partners, and knowledge and practice of safe sex are underresearched. Methods: We studied these issues in a group of 177 women from Northern Portugal, together with their social, educational, and religious background. The women filled out several self-report questionnaires developed in the USA that have been adapted and validated for use in Portugal. They assess HIV knowledge, risk perception, and sexual risk behaviour. Results: We documented good knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention, although there are still some myths; 79.9% of the women knew that condoms prevent HIV transmission, but only 46% of them declared to use them regularly. Thus, knowledge does not imply adequate preventive behaviour. Women lacking higher education had poorer knowledge of HIV biology and of partner HIV risk. Despite being aware of HIV cases in their communities, most women deemed themselves at little risk, especially those lacking higher education, with many arguing that monogamy protects them, and, importantly, many preferring to ignore their partners’ current and past behaviour when assessing their exposure. Conclusion: These results point to important intervention targets for campaigns to curb STD infections among young women. RESUMO - Antecedentes: As mulheres jovens constituem a maioria das infeções por VIH em Portugal (por exemplo, 26% em 2012), mas o seu comportamento sexual, a capacidade de reconhecer o risco de IST em parceiros e o conhecimento e a prática de sexo seguro são pouco investigados. Métodos: Estudaram-se essas questões num grupo de 177 mulheres do Norte de Portugal, juntamente com seus antecedentes sociais, educacionais e religiosos. As mulheres em estudo preencheram vários questionários de auto relato desenvolvidos nos Estados Unidos da América e que foram adaptados e validados para uso em Portugal. Foi avaliado o conhecimento sobre o VIH, a perceção de risco e o comportamento sexual de risco. Resultados: Documentaram- se bons conhecimentos sobre a transmissão e a prevenção do VIH, embora haja alguns mitos; 79,9% das mulheres sabem que os preservativos impedem a transmissão do VIH, mas apenas 46% declara usá-los regularmente. O conhecimento não implica o comportamento preventivo adequado. As mulheres que não possuíam escolaridade de nível superior tinham um conhecimento mais pobre no que se refere à biologia do VIH e ao risco de VIH no parceiro. Apesar de estarem cientes dos casos de VIH em suas comunidades, a maioria das mulheres considerou-se com pouco risco, especialmente aquelas que não possuem ensino superior, argumentando que a monogamia as protege e, principalmente, muitas preferem ignorar o comportamento atual e passado de seus parceiros ao avaliar a sua exposição. Conclusão: Os resultados identificam importantes alvos de intervenção para as campanhas de prevenção de ISTs na população feminina. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

In Mozambique, women are the most affected by HIV/AIDS. Self-efficacy is one of the main predictors of effective use of a condom. Therefore, it is essential to identify the factors that influence condom-use negotiation self-efficacy in vulnerable women. The aim of this paper is to identify socio-demographic, marital, and psychosocial factors associated with condom-use negotiation self-efficacy among Mozambican women at risk for HIV infection. Participants were women (173) who were patients at the Gynecology Department of the Central Hospital of Beira, Mozambique, and at risk for HIV infection. Women completed measures of condom-use negotiation self-efficacy, HIV prevention knowledge, and perceived barriers against safer sex. The results showed that demographic and marital variables are associated with condom-use negotiation self-efficacy, namely, those having more than 9 years of education, who are younger and not living with a partner, and who talk about AIDS with partners report higher condom-use negotiation self-efficacy. Regarding psychosocial factors, higher HIV prevention knowledge and fewer perceived barriers to safer sex predict higher condom-use negotiation self-efficacy. These results can contribute to sexual health promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention in Mozambican women because they identify at-risk groups and marital and psychosocial malleable factors that can be targeted in AIDS prevention among at-risk Mozambican women.

This final chapter reviews the implications of applying an occupational health perspective to research, practice and policy on educator stress. It argues for the need to bring educator stress to the forefront of education research and practice in terms of explanatory models, research methodology, and intervention strategies. Applying models and methods of occupational health psychology to addressing the negative individual and organizational consequences of educator stress is one such avenue. The chapter outlines important areas for research that have the potential to expand knowledge and inform interventions directed at supporting quality teaching and student learning. The relation between educator stress and performance has seen fewer studies, especially in its relation to teaching effectiveness. The topic of school violence has merited public attention and policy development, although educator stress processes have not been included in the research or intervention efforts to address this important issue. An occupational health perspective emphasizes the importance of a systemic and preventive view of work stress, and thus expanding the research agenda to consider stress in school systems would greatly benefit comprehensive intervention and policy efforts. Expanding educator stress research and intervention with school leadership could better inform administrative practices with positive implications for the whole school organization. Knowledge on educator stress also draws implications for training and development of school leaders and teachers, bringing well-being to the center of improving schools and transforming them into healthy organizations.

Background: Acute pain is an expected result after surgery. Nevertheless, when not appropriately controlled, acute pain has a very negative impact on individual clinical outcomes, impairing healing and recovery, and has clear consequences on health care system costs. Augmenting knowledge on predictors and potentially modifiable determinants of acute postsurgical pain can facilitate early identification of and intervention in patients at risk. However, only a few studies have examined and compared acute pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to compare THA and TKA in acute postsurgical pain intensity and its predictors. Methods: A consecutive sample of 124 patients with osteoarthritis (64 undergoing THA and 60 TKA) was assessed 24 hours before (T1) and 48 hours after (T2) surgery. Demographic, clinical, and psychological factors were assessed at T1, and acute postsurgical pain experience was examined at T2. Additionally, the same hierarchical regression analysis was performed separately for each arthroplasty type. Results: TKA patients reported higher levels of acute postsurgical pain compared with THA (t=8.490, p=0.004, d=0.527, 95% confidence interval, 0.196-0.878). In the final THA predictive model, presurgical pain was the only variable approaching significant results (t[57]=1.746, beta=0.254, p=0.086). In the final TKA predictive model, optimism was the only predictor of pain (t[51]=-2.518, beta=-0.339, p=0.015), with emotional representation ( t[51]=1.895, beta=0.254, p=0.064) presenting a trend toward significance. Conclusion: The current study is the first examining THA and TKA differences on acute postsurgical pain intensity and its predictors using a multivariate approach. Results from this study could prove useful for the design of distinct interventions targeting acute postsurgical pain management depending on whether the site of arthroplasty is the hip or the knee. Finally, the current results also support the argument that these two surgeries, at least with regard to acute pain, should be approached separately., This work was supported by two grants (SFRH/BD/36368/2007 and SFRH/BPD/103529/2014) from the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an important cause of mortality and significant personal and financial costs. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have shown positive effects in reducing cardiovascular mortality and improving functional capacity. However, adherence is low and appears to be influenced by psychosocial factors, such as patients’ cognitions and emotional state. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a brief in-hospital psychological intervention to promote cognitive and emotional adaptation after ACS. Methods: One hundred and twenty-one patients with ACS, admitted to a coronary care unit in a central hospital, were randomized to an experimental group (EG, n=65) and a control group (CG, n=56). Portuguese versions of the HADS and BIPQ were used to measure emotional well-being and illness cognitions. Two 1 h 15 min sessions were conducted 2-3 days after hospital admission, and a 20-minute follow-up session took place one month after discharge. Patients were assessed at four different time points: pre-test, post-test, and at 1- and 2-month follow-up. Results: The intervention had significant effects on anxiety, depression and illness cognitions. Anxiety and depression were significantly reduced and illness cognitions improved significantly in the EG compared to the control group. For the EG, these changes were maintained or enhanced at 1- and 2-month follow-up, whereas for the CG there was a deterioration in psychosocial adjustment. Conclusions: These results indicate that a brief psychological intervention program delivered during hospitalization for ACS and combined with standard medical care can have positive effects in terms of psychosocial outcomes that have proven impact on cardiac rehabilitation and prognosis. Resumo: Introdução: A síndroma coronária aguda (SCA) é uma importante causa de mortalidade, com custos pessoais e financeiros consideráveis. Os programas de reabilitação cardíaca têm benefícios na redução da mortalidade e melhoria da capacidade funcional. Contudo, a adesão é baixa e depende de fatores como o estado emocional e as representações de doença. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a eficácia de um programa de intervenção psicológica breve na fase I da reabilitação cardíaca da SCA. Material e métodos: Cento e vinte e um doentes com SCA, admitidos na unidade coronária de um hospital central, foram aleatorizados num grupo experimental (GE) (n= 65) e num grupo de controlo (GC) (n=56). Foram utilizadas versões portuguesas da HADS e IPQ-B para avaliar a adaptação emocional e as representações de doença. Foram efetuadas duas sessões de 1 h15 min, 2-3 dias após a admissão hospitalar, e uma avaliação de follow-up um mês após a alta hospitalar de 20 min. Os doentes foram avaliados em quatro momentos: pré-teste, pós-teste, um e dois meses follow-up. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram um efeito positivo e significativo da intervenção. A ansiedade e depressão evidenciaram uma redução significativa e as representações de doença melhoraram significativamente no GE, comparativamente ao GC. No GE estas alterações mantiveram-se ou aumentaram no follow-up de um e dois meses, enquanto no GC houve uma deterioração no ajustamento psicológico. Conclusões: A intervenção psicológica breve durante a hospitalização por SCA, aliada ao tratamento médico convencional, pode ter efeitos positivos em termos de adaptação psicossocial, cujo impacto está amplamente demonstrado na reabilitação cardíaca e no prognóstico clínico. Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome, Hospital-based psychosocial intervention, Cardiac rehabilitation, Anxiety, Depression, Illness cognitions, Palavras-chave: Síndroma coronária aguda, Intervenção psicológica breve, Reabilitação cardíaca, Ansiedade, Depressão, Representações de doença

This work was supported by a grant (SFRH/BD/36368/2007) from the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology.

The aim of this study was to examine the joint role of demographic, clinical, and psychological variables 30 as predictors of acute postsurgical pain in women undergoing hysterectomy due to benign disorders. A 31 consecutive sample of 203 women was assessed 24 hours before (T1) and 48 hours after (T2) surgery. 32 Baseline pain and predictors were assessed at T1 and postsurgical pain and analgesic consumption at 33 T2. Several factors distinguished women who had no or mild pain after surgery from those who had mod- 34 erate to severe pain, with the latter being younger, having more presurgical pain, and showing a less 35 favorable psychological profile. Younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90, P < .001), presurgical pain 36 (OR = 2.50, P, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Falko Sniehotta, PhD, and Justin Presseau, PhD, for suggestions. The authors also thank all of the women who agreed to participate in this study.

Objective: To describe the knowledge of the diabetic patient about his/her disease, the treatment and the impact on the therapeutic adherence. Methods: A qua...

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Persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) is a major clinical problem with significant individual, social and health care costs. The aim of this study was to examine the joint role of demographic, clinical and psychological risk factors in the development of moderate and severe PPSP after Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty (TKA and THA, respectively). This was a prospective study wherein a consecutive sample of 92 patients were assessed 24 hours before (T1), 48 hours after (T2) and 4-6 months (T3) after surgery. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of moderate and severe levels of PPSP. Four to six months after TKA and THA, 54 patients (58.7%) reported none or mild pain (Numerical Rating Scale: NRS 3). In the final multivariate hierarchical logistic regression analyses, illness representations concerning the condition leading to surgery (osteoarthritis), such as a chronic timeline perception of the disease, emerged as a significant predictor of PPSP. Additionally, post-surgical anxiety also showed a predictive role in the development of PPSP. Pre-surgical pain was the most significant clinical predictive factor and, as expected, undergoing TKA was associated with greater odds of PPSP development than THA. The findings on PPSP predictors after major joint arthroplasties can guide clinical practice in terms of considering cognitive and emotional factors, together with clinical factors, in planning acute pain management before and after surgery., This work was supported by a Project grant (PTDC/SAU-NEU/108557/2008) and by a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/36368/2007) from the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology, COMPETE and FEDER. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

This study aims to examine the joint role of demographic, clinical, and psychological variables as predictors of acute postsurgical pain and anxiety in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. A consecutive sample of 124 patients was assessed 24 hours before (T1) and 48 hours after (T2) surgery. Demographic, clinical, and psychological factors were assessed at T1 and several postsurgical pain issues, anxiety, and analgesic consumption were evaluated at T2. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of acute pain and anxiety following surgery. In the final multivariate model, presurgical optimism emerged as the main significant predictor of postsurgical pain intensity. Presurgical optimism also had a significant role in the prediction of postsurgical anxiety, together with presurgical anxiety level and emotional representation of the condition leading to surgery (osteoarthritis). A significant positive correlation between postsurgical anxiety and acute pain was also confirmed. The present study enhances our understanding of predictors of acute pain and anxiety following total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty by showing the relevance of psychological factors, over and above other potential clinical predictors. These findings could be used to develop targeted interventions aimed at acute postsurgical pain and anxiety management following major joint arthroplasties., This work was supported by a Project grant (PTDC/SAU-NEU/108557/2008) and by a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/36368/2007) from the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology, COMPETE and FEDER.

Persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) is a major clinical problem with significant individual, social, and healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to examine the role of demographic, clinical and psychological risk factors in the development of persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) after hysterectomy due to benign disorders. In a prospective study, a consecutive sample of 186 women was assessed 24 hours before (T1), 48 hours (T2), and 4 months (T3) after surgery. Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of PPSP. Four months after hysterectomy, 93 (50%) participants reported experiencing pain (NRS >0). Age, pain due to other causes, and type of hysterectomy emerged as significant predictive factors. Baseline presurgical psychological predictors identified were anxiety, emotional representation of the condition leading to surgery, and pain catastrophizing. Among the identified psychological predictors, emotional representation emerged as the strongest. Acute postsurgical pain frequency and postsurgical anxiety also revealed a predictive role in PPSP development. These results increase the knowledge on PPSP predictors and point healthcare professionals towards specific intervention targets such as anxiety (pre- and postsurgical), pain catastrophizing, emotional representations, and acute pain control after surgery., We declare that none of the authors have any financial or other relationships that might lead to a conflict of interest. This work was supported by a grant (SFRH/BD/36368/2007) from the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology.

Author's personal copy, BACKGROUND Psychological factors have a significant role in post-surgical pain, and their study can inform pain management. PURPOSE The aims of this study are to identify psychological predictors of post-surgical pain following abdominal hysterectomy (AH) and major joint arthroplasty (MJA) and to investigate differential predictors by type of surgery. METHOD One hundred forty-two women undergoing AH and 110 patients undergoing MJA were assessed 24 h before (T1) and 48 h after (T2) surgery. RESULTS A predictive post-surgical pain model was found for AH and MJA yielding pre-surgical pain experience and pain catastrophizing as significant predictors and a significant interaction of pre-surgical optimism and surgery type. Separate regression models by surgery type showed that pre-surgical optimism was the best predictor of post-surgical pain after MJA, but not after AH. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the relevance of psychological predictors for both surgeries and the value of targeting specific psychological factors by surgery type in order to effectively manage acute post-surgical pain., Supported by a project grant (PTDC/SAU-NEU/108557/2008) and by a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/36368/2007) from the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology, COMPETE, and FEDER