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. 2009 May-Jun;14(3):233-7.
doi: 10.1155/2009/535941.

Anxiety influences children's memory for procedural pain

Elizabeth M Rocha  1 , Tammy A Marche, Carl L von Baeyer
Affiliations

Anxiety influences children's memory for procedural pain

Elizabeth M Rocha et al. Pain Res Manag. 2009 May-Jun.

Abstract
in English, French

Objective: To examine the effects of temperament and trait anxiety on memory for pain.

Methods: Three dimensions of temperament, as well as trait anxiety, were assessed in 36 children (five to 12 years of age) undergoing dental procedures; after the procedure, the children provided pain ratings. Following a six- to eight-week delay, the children reported how much pain they remembered.

Results: Most children (85%) accurately recalled their pain. Temperament had no significant effect, but trait-anxious children showed a greater likelihood of recalling more pain than they initially reported, suggesting that they may negatively distort recollections of painful experiences.

Conclusions: When treating children, in particular trait-anxious children, clinicians should consider what children remember as part of pain management intervention.

OBJECTIF :: Examiner les effets du tempérament et de l’anxiété réactionnelle sur la mémoire de la douleur.

MÉTHODE :: Nous avons évalué trois dimensions du tempérament et l’anxiété réactionnelle chez 36 enfants (âgés de 5 à 12 ans) devant subir une intervention dentaire. Après l’intervention, les enfants ont donné une évaluation de leur douleur. Après un intervalle de six à huit semaines, les enfants ont indiqué le degré de douleur dont ils se rappelaient.

RÉSULTATS :: La plupart des enfants (85 %) avaient un souvenir exact de leur douleur, le tempérament n’a eu aucun effet significatif, mais les enfants présentant une anxiété réactionnelle étaient plus susceptibles de se rappeler une douleur plus intense qu’ils ne l’avaient signalée initialement, ce qui donne à penser que leur mémoire des expériences douloureuses subit l’effet d’une distorsion négative.

CONCLUSION :: Lorsqu’ils traitent des enfants, en particulier des enfants présentant une anxiété réactionnelle, les cliniciens doivent tenir compte du souvenir que les enfants gardent d’une intervention douloureuse.

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References

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