A prospective clinical analysis of pain behavior and self-injurious behavior.
It is a widely assumed but rarely tested proposition that the experience and expression of pain is altered among individuals with self-injurious behavior and disabilities. As a preliminary test of this proposition, the purpose of this case study was to apply a validated pain measure to examine ratings of pain behavior in relation to ratings of self-injurious behavior (SIB). A prospective correlational design was used with maternal ratings completed three times/day for 9 days using two item independent rating scales specific to pain and SIB. The participant was a 6-year-old boy with severe SIB secondary to midbrain tumor (pilocytic astrocytoma) resection and post-operative sequelae. Measures were taken in the child's home. Pain behavior was measured using the Non-Communicating Children's Pain Checklist Revised (NCCPC-R). Self-injury was measured using the Self-Injury Trauma Scale (SITS). Time intervals associated with elevated ratings of SIB were associated with elevated pain ratings. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) for pain ratings between time intervals with and without self-injury. It is suggested that additional empirical work is needed to clarify the relation between pain and self-injury to improve assessment and treatment outcomes.
Symons
Frank J
FJ
Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, 206 Burton Hall, 178 Pillsbury Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Danov
Stacy E
SE
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000209:etiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors