Electronic Momentary Assessment in Chronic Pain I: Psychological Pain Responses as Predictors of Pain Intensity

Exaggerated negative interpretations of pain, and fear that movement will induce or increase pain strongly predicted CPD pain intensity. Spousal responses-assessed only when the spouse was with the patient who at that moment was in actual pain-may more strongly affect immobility due to pain than pain intensity per se (see part II of the study). The findings substantiate the importance of catastrophizing, fear and vigilance identified primarily in low back pain and extend this to other forms of chronic pain. The compelling evidence of momentary within-patients differences underscores that these must be accounted for in chronic pain research and practice.