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Ethnocultural influences on variation in chronic pain perception
Maryann S Bates1, Thomas W Edwards, Karen O Anderson
1Division of Human Development, School of Education and Human Development, SUNY-Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000 USA Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, ZA-14, Seattle, WA 98104 USA Department of Anesthesiology S2-700, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA 01605 USA.
Pain
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Ethnocultural affiliation significantly impacts chronic pain perception and intensity. Ethnic group and locus of control style are key predictors, suggesting a biocultural model for understanding pain.
Area of Science:
- Pain research
- Medical sociology
- Psychosomatic medicine
Background:
- Cultural affiliation influences acute pain perception and response.
- Limited research exists on the cultural dimensions of chronic pain experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ethnocultural affiliation in chronic pain perception.
- To identify predictors of chronic pain intensity variation across different ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative study of 372 chronic pain patients from six ethnic groups.
- Analysis of reported pain intensity, ethnic group affiliation, and locus of control (LOC) style.
Main Results:
- Ethnocultural affiliation and LOC style were the best predictors of pain intensity variation.
- Ethnic group identity predicted LOC style, indicating interconnected influences.
- Pain intensity was not significantly associated with diagnosis, medication, or treatment history.
Conclusions:
- Ethnocultural factors, including beliefs and psychological states, significantly affect chronic pain perception.
- A biocultural model is proposed to integrate biological, cultural, and psychosocial factors in pain perception.
- Patient attitudes and emotions likely influence reported pain intensity, alongside biological factors.