Association Between Personality Types and Predilection to Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a problem that has become common across communities. Currently there is no uniform approach for treating chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to explore whether an association exists between personality type and the predisposition to developing chronic pain. Using a personality profile tool, we surveyed 29 subjects suffering from chronic pain and found that 25 of the 29 approached their pain experience from a "feeling" or subjective perspective. Emotion, rather than logic, was more likely to drive these subjects' understanding of their chronic pain state. Considering this predilection toward emotion should be part of treating patients with chronic pain states. Educators who prepare future health professionals and those professionals currently in practice should appreciate the psychosocial nature of chronic pain and direct treatment, at least in part, toward the psychosocial component of the lived pain experience.