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Environmental and interoceptive influences on chronic low back pain behavior
A J Schmidt1, R E Gierlings, M L Peters
1Department of Medical Psychology, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Pain
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Chronic low back pain behavior did not decrease with reduced feedback, contradicting operant conditioning theory. However, findings strongly supported the hypochondriasis theory, showing increased bodily sensations in pain patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pain Management
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Chronic pain behavior is influenced by environmental stimuli (operant conditioning theory) or amplified bodily sensations (hypochondriasis theory).
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test predictions derived from operant conditioning and hypochondriasis theories regarding chronic low back pain behavior.
- To investigate the role of feedback and bodily sensation amplification in chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- Compared endurance of chronic low back pain patients and control subjects in treadmill tests under varying feedback conditions.
- Assessed self-reported bodily sensations at rest and post-exercise.
Main Results:
- Pain behavior, measured by treadmill endurance, did not decrease when feedback was removed, failing to support operant conditioning predictions.
- Chronic pain patients reported significantly more bodily sensations than controls, supporting the hypochondriasis theory.
Conclusions:
- Operant conditioning theory does not adequately explain chronic low back pain behavior in this study.
- Findings suggest that amplified perception of bodily sensations plays a significant role in chronic pain, aligning with the hypochondriasis theory.