Sex differences in trauma symptoms, body image and intensity of pain in a Polish sample of patients suffering from chronic pain

Abstract

The main goal of the current study was to investigate sex differences in the relationship between the level of trauma symptoms appearing in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and intensity of pain in a sample of 300 Polish patients suffering from chronic pain, specifically rheumatoid arthritis and lower back pain. We also focused on participants’ body image with body esteem as a mediator. To assess the intensity of pain among participants, we used the Numerical Rating Scale. The level of trauma symptoms was assessed with the PTSD Factorial Version Inventory. To measure body image among participants, we used the Body Esteem Scale. The results of our study suggest that trauma symptoms and body image dimensions were significant predictors of pain intensity among men suffering from chronic pain. Moreover, trauma symptoms and age were significant predictors of pain intensity among women suffering from chronic pain. Finally, we demonstrated that sex differentiates the reaction to chronic pain.

Keywords:

• Chronic pain
• trauma symptoms
• body image
• sex

Acknowledgements

The work was supported by funding from the Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw (BST 1712.01) awarded to the third author.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.