Research Exploring the impact of childhood trauma and PTSD on pain coping strategies

[Norma Rosenek]

Dear MyPTSD community,
My name is Norma and I am a Clinical Psychologist in training at the University of Southampton, UK. I am currently recruiting participants for my doctoral thesis that is aiming to investigate the impact that experiencing childhood adversity and adult-life PTSD symptoms have on how we may cope with pain.


Rationale
Trauma, including childhood trauma and PTSD symptoms, is associated with increased risks of mental health issues such as anxiety, as well as physical health challenges like chronic pain. These experiences often hinder the development of effective coping strategies. Although the impact of PTSD and childhood trauma on pain coping is well-documented, their specific influence on pain catastrophising — a cognitive-emotional process involving an exaggerated focus on pain and feelings of helplessness — remains unexplored to date.

This study aims to investigate how different types of trauma may predict pain catastrophising. To explore these relationships, we ask participants to complete an online survey comprising five questionnaires (approx. 20-30 minutes). We will also examine whether factors such as paranoia, dissociation, and intolerance of uncertainty moderate the effects of childhood trauma on pain catastrophising. Understanding these complex interactions may provide valuable insights for developing more holistic and effective therapeutic interventions, particularly for individuals with a history of childhood adversity and trauma.


Accessing the study
You can access the study through this link:

Online survey: Pain and Trauma Thesis

Or scan the QR code on the study poster.



If you have any further questions or wish to get in touch with me before, you can email me on [email protected]



Many thanks,

Norma Rosenek, PhD
Trainee Clinical Psychologist
University of Southampton

 

[Charbella]

These experiences often hinder the development of effective coping strategies.

Really? We survived, often through terrible physical, emotional and psychological pain.

I think the enigma you should be studying is why we have high pain instead of why we can’t cope with it.

 

[Abstract]

I have the opposite problem which has ultimately resulted in pain conditions. My initial inability to feel or achnowdge pain and my crazy high pain threshold meant I didn't demand treatment for health conditions early enough which then meant more real damage and long term pain. I know I'm not alone. I have zero pain catastrophising. But I do appreciate that there is research attempting to help pain.

But do look at the correlation between over-high pain tolerance and dissociation, aka trauma. Thank you

 

[Friday]

One of the more interesting studies I’ve read.

I’d love to see the final results, if you didn’t mind adding this thread/site to your list.

Thanks!