Relationship Between Pain Catastrophizing Level and Sensory Processing Patterns in Typical Adults

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We examined the relationship between pain perception, as expressed by pain catastrophizing level, and sensory processing patterns among typical adults.METHOD. Two hundred ninety healthy adults participated in this study: 138 men and 152 women. Their ages ranged from 18 to 50 (mean age = 30.2 ± 6.8). All participants completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS).RESULTS. PCS scores significantly correlated with Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding. Women had higher sensory sensitivity and a higher pain catastrophizing level than did men.CONCLUSION. Sensory processing patterns may be related to individual pain perception, as expressed in pain catastrophizing level. Intervention programs should take these factors into account to be more focused on the specific needs of each client, facilitate his or her optimal engagement in daily living activities, and elevate well-being.