The Effect of Social Context on Pain Measurement

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the influence of social contexts on patients' pain measurements.

Methods: Forty people, with rheumatoid arthritis completed a visual analog scale [VAS] [twice], the McGill Pain Questionnaire [MPQ], patient and partner were interviewed using a semi-structured schedule.

Results: Differences [not statistically significant] were found between: those living alone and those with a partner; hospital VAS scores of men and their home scores; mean scores of men with emotionally supportive partners and those with instrumentally supportive partners; MPQ scores [Pain Rating Intensity [PRI]] and pain ratings from interviews.

Conclusions: The variations in pain scores in different social contexts suggest that pain scores may be socially influenced.

KEYWORDS:

• Social contexts
• pain measurement