The relationship between situational stress and phantom limb pain: cross-lagged correlational data from six month pain logs.
This study reports the results of the first investigation into the relationship between situational stress and phantom limb pain. Twenty-seven male amputees recorded their pain and overall stress levels daily for 180 days using a 1-10 rating scale. Three possible relationships into the etiology and/or maintenance of phantom limb pain were examined using cross-lagged correlational techniques: an isomorphic relationship (same time increases in pain lead to same time increases in stress and vice versa), a consequence relationship (increases in pain precede increases in stress), and a precursor relationship (increases in stress precede increases in pain). Thirty-seven per cent of subjects demonstrated some significant precursor relationship. Although support was found for all three hypotheses, the most frequently observed relationship was the isomorphic one. Seventy-four per cent of subjects demonstrated some significant stress-pain relationship. The results lend support to the psychological theory underlying the use of psychophysiological interventions such as biofeedback and relaxation therapy in amputees with phantom limb pain.
Arena
J G
JG
Biofeedback and Psychophysiological Disorders Clinic, Psychology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30910.
Sherman
R A
RA
Bruno
G M
GM
Smith
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001143:Arousal; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D010556:Personality Tests; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*