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Imagery and Pain: The Prevalence, Characteristics, and Potency of Imagery Associated with Pain

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2011

H. Clare Philips*
Affiliation:
Back In Motion Rehabilitation Center, Richmond, Canada
*
Reprint requests to H. Clare Philips, Research Affiliate, Back In Motion Rehabilitation Center, #110-6651 Elmbridge Way, Richmond V7C 5C2, BC, Canada. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Background: There is a dearth of information about imagery in pain sufferers. Aim: The aim of this study was to collect data on the characteristics, prevalence, and potency of imagery associated with pain. Method: The images of 59 pain sufferers were assessed by means of a semi-structured interview. The emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and pain-inducing properties (potency) of their index images were assessed by an image induction procedure and self-report scales of anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms. Results: The results showed a remarkably high incidence of images in pain sufferers, with 78% of participants reporting one or more repetitive images when in pain. Exposure to their most powerful/distressing image (Index image) resulted in significant increases in negative emotions, negative cognitive appraisals, and in pain levels. In a sub-group of sufferers with significant levels of trauma symptoms, the index images elicited significantly higher levels of emotion and pain increment than did those respondents in a low/no trauma group. Conclusion: It was concluded that imagery is a prevalent, often “unobserved” but potent cognition in pain sufferers. The implications for CBT approaches to chronic pain, including image rescripting, are considered.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2011

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