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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
07:28
A Protocol of Manual Tests to Measure Sensation and Pain in Humans
Published on: December 19, 2016
21.3K
Psycho-sensory relationships in chronic pain
Daniel S Harvie1,2, Daniela Vasco3, Michele Sterling4
1The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia.
British Journal of Pain
|May 31, 2021
Summary
Psychological factors like anxiety and pain catastrophizing are linked to persistent pain spread and intensity in women. Sex may influence these pain-related psychological connections.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pain Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Psychological variables significantly influence pain and injury outcomes.
- Persistent pain's anatomical spread and intensity may correlate with anxiety-related factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between persistent pain characteristics (spread, intensity) and anxiety-related variables (generalised anxiety, fear of pain, pain catastrophising).
- To examine potential sex differences in these relationships.
Main Methods:
- An online survey collected data from 413 women with various persistent pain conditions.
- Pain spread and intensity were measured using the McGill pain chart and a Numerical Rating Scale.
- Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling analyzed the association between psychological variables and pain metrics.
Main Results:
- Increased pain catastrophising, generalised anxiety, and fear correlated with greater pain spread and intensity in women.
- While overall clinical significance was not met, specific conditions (e.g., low back pain, migraine) showed significant relationships, particularly with pain catastrophising.
- The model showed poor fit for men, suggesting sex-moderated relationships.
Conclusions:
- A meaningful link exists between certain anxiety-related variables and pain in women across specific conditions.
- Sex appears to moderate the relationship between psychological factors and pain.
- Clinicians should consider psychological variables in pain management, with further research needed on treatment efficacy.
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