Anxiety influences children's memory for procedural pain

To examine the effects of temperament and trait anxiety on memory for pain.

Three dimensions of temperament, as well as trait anxiety, were assessed in 36 children (five to 12 years of age) undergoing dental procedures; after the procedure, the children provided pain ratings. Following a six- to eight-week delay, the children reported how much pain they remembered.

Most children (85%) accurately recalled their pain. Temperament had no significant effect, but trait-anxious children showed a greater likelihood of recalling more pain than they initially reported, suggesting that they may negatively distort recollections of painful experiences.

When treating children, in particular trait-anxious children, clinicians should consider what children remember as part of pain management intervention.