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Related Experiment Videos

Social support and pain behavior.

Karen M Gil1, Francis J Keefe, James E Crisson

  • 1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710 U.S.A.

Pain
|May 1, 1987
PubMed
Summary
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High satisfaction with social support correlates with increased pain behaviors in chronic pain patients. This suggests social reinforcement may influence how pain is expressed.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Pain Management
  • Social Science

Background:

  • Social support generally aids chronic disease adaptation.
  • The impact of social support on chronic pain adjustment is under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Examine the relationship between social support levels and pain behaviors in chronic pain patients.
  • Investigate how satisfaction with and availability of support influence pain expression.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty-one chronic pain patients completed the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) and McGill Pain Questionnaire.
  • Pain behaviors were assessed via direct observation.
  • Patients were categorized into high/low support groups based on SSQ dimensions (satisfaction, availability).

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Main Results:

  • Higher satisfaction with social support was linked to significantly greater overall pain behaviors (guarding, rubbing, bracing).
  • No significant differences in pain behaviors were found based on the availability of social support.
  • Pain ratings on the McGill Pain Questionnaire did not differ between high and low social support groups.

Conclusions:

  • Pain behavior in chronic pain patients is influenced by satisfaction with social support, not just its availability.
  • Findings suggest an operant conditioning model where positive social reinforcement may encourage pain behaviors in satisfied individuals.