Gender differences in personality and cancer-related pain among older cancer patients

Abstract

Indicators explaining gender differences in personality and pain among older cancer patients have not been adequately addressed. This study examined gender differences in cancer-related pain severity, the Five Factor Model of personality, and affect among older cancer patients (86 women, 64 men). No significant differences were found in pain severity between the gender groups. Analyses indicated that women scored significantly higher for the personality trait of neuroticism than men (p < .05). Further analyses showed that different demographic, health, and personality variables predicted pain severity in women and men. Gender was found to be a significant moderator in the association between the personality trait of neuroticism and average pain. These findings suggest that both gender and different personality types may influence reported pain severity. Specifically, the results suggest that how patients experience and report pain severity may be gender-specific, and that it may be inappropriate to assume that women and men experience, report, and manage their pain in similar ways. Future studies focusing on the influence of personality and gender on health outcomes are needed to assist healthcare providers in tailoring treatment, thereby promoting optimal symptom management.