Pain extent: relations with psychological state, pain severity, pain history, and disability

The present study examined relationships between pain extent and measures of psychological state, pain-related disability, pain severity, and pain history in 416 patients with chronic pain. Previous research has examined the pain extent-psychological state relationship and has generally concluded that it is weak. Results of multiple regression analyses in this study indicated a moderate association between pain extent and psychosomatic symptoms. Weaker relationships were obtained for depression, pain severity, and length of time in pain. Results are discussed in light of prior studies of psychological state and pain extent.