Ethnic variations in the chronic pain experience

Abstract

Although ethnic identity has been found to have an important influence on experimental and acute pain intensity and response, little work has been directed to understanding how ethnicity affects the chronic pain experience. We report the results of a quantitative study of 372 chronic pain patients, in six ethnic groups, who were under treatment at a multidisciplinary pain management center in New England. The study used questionnaires and standardized instruments for assessing pain intensity to determine whether ethnic background was significantly related to interethnic or intraethnic group variation in pain intensity and response when other significant medical, sociodemographic, and psychological variables were controlled. In this study population, the most frequent statistically significant intergroup differences in pain intensity and in behavioral, psychological, and attitudinal responses to pain are related to differences in ethnic identity and psychological coping style according to locus of control. In addition, in this population, ethnic identity is a predictor of locus-of-control coping style. The major statistically significant intragroup differences in pain intensity and response are related to differences in generation, degree of heritage consistency, and locus-of-control style. We suggest that treatment programs for multiethnic populations should include a thorough cultural assessment and that providers need to be aware of the potential effect of ethnic background on chronic pain patients' communications, concerns, and coping styles related to the chronic pain experience.