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Does the MMPI differentiate chronic illness from chronic pain?
Bruce D Naliboff1, Michael J Cohen, Allen N Yellen
1Behavioral Medicine Research, VA Medical Center, Sepulveda, Calif. 91343, USA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, U.C.L.A., Los Angeles, Calif., U.S.A.
Pain
|August 1, 1982
Summary
This study found that psychological distress in chronic pain patients, particularly those with chronic low back pain, is linked to functional limitations, not a distinct personality profile. Emotional disturbance stems from limitations, not a specific chronic pain personality.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Medicine
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Chronic illnesses like low back pain, migraine, hypertension, and diabetes significantly impact patients' lives.
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is often used to assess psychological characteristics in patient populations.
- Previous research suggests distinct MMPI profiles may exist for different chronic pain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between MMPI scales and functional limitations in chronic illness populations.
- To determine if distinct personality profiles exist for chronic low back pain compared to other chronic illnesses.
- To understand the role of self-rated functional limitation in MMPI differences among chronic illness groups.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study analyzing MMPI data from patients with chronic low back pain, migraine headache, hypertension, and diabetes.
- Comparison of average MMPI profiles across different chronic illness groups.
- Statistical analyses to assess the correlation between MMPI scale scores and self-rated functional limitation.
Main Results:
- Average MMPI profiles for the studied chronic illness groups were consistent with previous findings.
- The chronic low back pain group exhibited the most disturbed MMPI profile, with elevations on the Hs, Hy, and D scales.
- MMPI group differences were largely explained by individual levels of self-rated functional limitation.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support the existence of a unique 'low back pain personality' or 'chronic pain personality'.
- Emotional disturbance observed in chronic pain populations is primarily associated with functional limitations and activity disruption.
- Self-rated functional limitation is a key factor influencing MMPI results in chronic illness patients.