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Updated: May 16, 2026

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Pain-related psychological correlates of pediatric acute post-surgical pain
M Gabrielle Pagé1, Jennifer Stinson, Fiona Campbell
1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Background:
Post-surgical pain is prevalent in children, yet is significantly understudied. The goals of this study were to examine gender differences in pain outcomes and pain-related psychological constructs postoperatively and to identify pain-related psychological correlates of acute post-surgical pain (APSP) and predictors of functional disability 2 weeks after hospital discharge.
Methods:
Eighty-three children aged 8-18 (mean 13.8 ± 2.4) years who underwent major orthopedic or general surgery completed pain and pain-related psychological measures 48-72 hours and 2 weeks after surgery.
Results:
Girls reported higher levels of acute postoperative anxiety and pain unpleasantness compared with boys. In addition, pain anxiety was significantly associated with APSP intensity and functional disability 2 weeks after discharge, whereas pain catastrophizing was associated with APSP unpleasantness.
Conclusion:
These results highlight the important role played by pain-related psychological factors in the experience of pediatric APSP by children and adolescents.
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