Changes In Pain Behavior Research Articles

Overt pain behaviors: Relationship to patient functioning and treatment outcome

Two related studies examined the relationship of overt pain behaviors to measures of patient functioning and treatment outcome. In Study 1, overt pain behaviors of 45 chronic low back pain patients beginning inpatient pain treatment were assessed, and self-report measures of pain, pain behaviors, and physical and psychosocial disability were also obtained. Frequency of observed pain behaviors was significantly associated with patient ratings of pain, pain behaviors, and physical disability, but not psychosocial functioning. In Study 2, changes in observed pain behaviors and self-report measures of pain, pain behaviors, and depression following inpatient treatment were examined. Observed pain behaviors and self-reported pain, pain behaviors, and depression decreased significantly pre- to posttreatment. Decreases in observed pain behaviors were significantly associated with decreases in depression, but not with changes in self-reported pain or pain behaviors. Results support the use of both observational and self-report measures in the comprehensive evaluation of chronic pain problems.

Perceived control over pain: Individual differences and situational determinants

Determinants of perceived control over pain were varied to assess their impact on pain tolerance to electric shock in an experimental setting where variably tolerant models were used to influence pain reports and behaviour. On the basis of locus of control scores, subjects were assigned to internal nd external groups. Instructions were presented emphasizing personal or environmental determinants of pain. Fifty subjects were assigned randomly to 5 groups based on these instructions and whether they were paired with a model who was tolerant, intolerant or inactive. Findings indicated internals manifested greater pain tolerance, but that the instructions on situational as contrasted with personal sources of control over pain did not influence pain behaviour. As expected, the models promoted or inhibited exposure to the shocks consistent with the model's role. Subsequent disclosure of the model's roles, followed by further pain tolerance assessment, did not lead to changes in pain behaviour, indicating that the training effect was persistent. The discussion examines relative contributions of individual differences and situational factors to pain behaviour.