[Correlations between irrational attitudes and pain quality in patients with chronic polyarthritis]

The present study examined relations between irrational attitudes and pain experience in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 128 patients with definite RA from a rheumatic treatment center were studied by administration of the Irrational Attitudes Questionnaire (15) and a revised form of the Multidimensional Pain Scale (5) specially designed for research on rheumatic conditions. Partial correlations (with subjective disease activity as control variable) showed significant associations between irrationality and pain (max.: r = 0.52). The power of correlations was different for pain qualities (evaluative, chronic, sensory, affective). Implications for clinical practice were discussed.