Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1990. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [136]-145).

This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of a clinical intervention program for reduction of pain and concomitant symptoms of anxiety, depression and hostility in individuals experiencing chronic pain. The program consisted of 36 weeks of supportive group therapy, education and sessions of progressive muscle relaxation induced hypnosis. Single subject research design was used to analyze the clinical effectiveness of treatment. Data was collected and compiled weekly. Serial position curves were generated for a Reported Pain Index, SCL-90-R Symptom Indices for Anxiety, Depression, Hostility and the SCL-90-R Global Severity Index. The three subjects were adults whose ages ranged from 39 to 65, with five or more years of chronic pain due to orthopedic or arthritic conditions. Qualitative analysis of the data indicated dramatic reductions in pain and secondary symptoms. Reductions in reported pain ranged from 17% to 31% with the mean pain reduction for the group of 20.6%. Reduction in the SCL-90-R Global Severity Index ranged from 13.1% to 49.4% with the mean reduction for the group of 36.1%. Reduction in depression ranged from 12.7% to 50% with the mean reduction for the group of 32.6%. Anxiety was reduced for two subjects with a slight increase of .02% for the third subject. Range of anxiety change was .02% increase to 59% reduction with a group mean reduction of 36.3%. Reduction in hostility ranged from 29.5% to 54.4% with a group mean reduction of 39.9%. Progressive muscle relaxation induced hypnosis contributed to further reduction of pain and secondary symptoms with reductions ranging from 4 to 49%. The results of this study show dramatic reductions in pain, depression, hostility and anxiety in chronic pain patients. These findings are not meant to be generalized to other populations, but may point the way for future research utilizing long-term therapeutic approaches and single subject research design.

No description available.

This study addresses the problem of assessment of chronic pain patients, a population with special needs which have only begun to be recognized by the medical community. While this paper promotes a comprehensive approach to assessment and treatment of chronic pain patients, the research questions in this study specifically address assessment of personality and its relationship to other biopsychosocial variables.The purpose of the study was to replicate cluster analyses done with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) in chronic pain patient populations using the revised and re-nonmed Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), and. secondly, to identify other variables which are associated with particular personality profile patterns in chronic pain patients.This study examines the archival records of approximately 300 male and female, chronic pain patients who were seen at a hospital-based, multidisciplinary, outpatient pain management clinic from 1989 to 1992. Information analyzed includes The (MMPI), and the Patient Assessment Inventory and Narrative (PAIN), an instrument used at the pain clinic, designed to collect demographic, social, and vocational information, medical history, and cognitive, emotional, and sensory-perceptual characteristics of the patient's pain experience.The data from the MM PI-2 scales was cluster analyzed, yielding three homogeneous profile subgroups for both male and female samples, as well as the full sample. These groups corresponded closely to those found in earlier MMPI research with chronic pain patients. A discriminant analysis was used to examine which combinations of other biopsychosocial variables best explained the differences between each of the groups of patients derived in the cluster analysis. Results indicate that a combination of "negative life-impact" variables most significantly distinguished between the derived groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Tukey's HSD procedure revealed how each group differed-on the "negative life-impact" spectrum, with more elevated MMPI-2 profiles showing greater negative life-impact and less elevated profiles showing less negative life-impact. Implications and limitations of the study, as well as recommendations for future research are discussed. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (MPsych(Clin))--University of South Australia, 1999

No description available.

This study examined the relationship between chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients' perceived (stated) levels of function and their measured (observed) performance in squatting and stair climbing activities as compared to healthy volunteers. Twenty patients with CLBP and 20 healthy subjects were asked through an interview to self-assess their ability to comfortably perform stair climbing and squatting as well as other tolerances. The subjects were then asked to perform the activities and their performance levels were recorded. Results of the t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) procedures revealed that patients' estimate of squatting and stair climbing abilities as well as their demonstrated levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than those of the healthy subjects. There was a significant difference between groups in terms of the time required to perform squatting but not stair climbing. Both healthy subjects and patients with CLBP underestimated their physical capabilities. Findings indicate that the use of actual performance measurement combined with self-report of functional abilities is needed when assessing performance levels of both healthy as well as patients with CLBP.

A factor analysis was performed on eleven variables derived from scores on the McGill Pain Questionnaire, Oswestry Activity Rating Scale, graphic rating scales designed to assess the average pain intensity, frequency of leg pain, back pain, numbness and tingling in legs, and weakness in legs, as well as bothersomeness of back pain, leg pain, numbness and tingling in legs and weakness of legs. A composite Pain Index was created on the basis of three factors: leg pain, back pain, and overall pain complaints. Extraclassificatory variables, such as negative affect including depression and anxiety, cognitions regarding health status and expectation of recovery, bodily awareness/somatization and demographic variables such as smoking or non-smoking, compensation status, litigation status, use of narcotic and non-narcotic medication, use of alcohol, and time off of work were analyzed in combination and independently in relationship to the Pain Index.

The aim of the study was to investigate the application of aspects of Lazarus and Folkman's theory of Stress, Appraisal and Coping, to the chronic pain experience. In this context, the researcher explored the relationship between pain intensity and stress level. The association between pain intensity and the intensity of negative or positive attitudes towards the pain experience was also investigated. In addition, the relationship between pain intensity and the frequency of employing active, problem focused coping-strategies, or passive, emotion focused strategies, was explored. 105 subjects completed the South African Chronic Pain Questionnaire; an assessment tool based on adapted internationally validated measures. Findings suggest that there is a proportional relationship between pain intensity and stress level in the present chronic pain population. A positive relationship between pain intensity and the intensity of negative attitudes was revealed. A positive relationship was also reflected between pain intensity and the employ of passive, emotion-focused coping-strategies. There is a paucity of research that provides a theoretical framework in which to conceptualize the association between stress, appraisal and coping in chronic pain. To this end, the researcher has employed Lazarus and Folkman's theory in order to conceptualize the relationship between these variables and chronic pain intensity. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

Thesis (M.S.) -- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 2005. / Not embargoed. Vita. Bibliography: 121-126.