Tools that should be considered in pain assessment: Cognitive factors, emotion, and personality

Abstract

In this chapter, an overview is provided of instruments to measure pain, neuropsychological domains, pain cognitions, emotion, and personality constructs. Interpretational and conceptual issues will be discussed that should be considered in pain assessment. For example, the interpretation of neuropsychological test results should be done with caution. These tests often rely on multiple cognitive functions for intact performance, and, hence, performance on a specific test can be impaired due to cognitive deficits other than the function targeted with that test. Also, emotional and personality factors are highly interrelated constructs; as such, it is advisory to examine them concurrently in relation to pain assessments. Finally, it is important to keep in mind that personality and psychological constructs and affective states and traits are used interchangeably to refer to different levels of explanation.