Attention to chronic pain is dependent upon pain-related fear

J Psychosom Res. 1999 Nov;47(5):403-10. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3999(99)00046-x.

Abstract

Pain interrupts, distracts, and is difficult to disengage from. In this study, the role of pain-related fear in moderating attentional interference produced by chronic pain was investigated. Forty chronic pain patients completed a list of questionnaires assessing pain severity, pain-related fear (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), and negative affect (Negative Emotionality scale). Attentional interference was measured by a numerical interference test. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the attentional interference was best predicted by the interaction between pain severity and pain-related fear. These results are discussed in terms of how pain-related fear creates a hypervigilance to pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Emotions
  • Fear*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / classification
  • Pain / psychology*
  • Severity of Illness Index