The impact of adverse childhood experiences and posttraumatic stress symptoms on chronic pain

IntroductionChronic pain is a prevalent worldwide health condition. The current study aimed to extend previous research that investigated the dynamics between chronic pain, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).MethodAdult participants worldwide with chronic pain were recruited for this study (N = 199; 89% females). Three hypotheses were proposed: (a) a high ACEs score would result in more severe pain intensity and interference compared to no ACEs; (b) a low ACEs score would result in more severe pain intensity and interference compared to no ACEs; and (c) PTSS would fully mediate the ACEs-pain relationship.ResultsInitially results indicated individuals with high ACEs reported more pain interference than those with no ACEs, although pain intensity did not differ between high and no ACEs. However, after controlling for age, socioeconomic status (SES), and pain duration, low and high ACEs were not significantly associated with pain intensity or interference compared to no ACEs. However, SES status was associated with pain intensity and interference, although not with pain interference after adding low and high ACEs to the model. Because of this the mediation exploration of PTSS was not viable.DiscussionImplications for practice, limitations and future research outcomes are outlined.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between chronic pain, adverse childhood experiences, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. The results showed that adverse childhood experiences were not significantly associated with pain intensity and interference. However, socioeconomic status was related to pain intensity and interference.