Papers of the Week

Adverse life experiences have been identified as a possible vulnerability factor for chronic pain. This association could result from the effect of trauma on the psychological state of individuals. Previous studies found childhood trauma to be associated with pain catastrophizing and anxiety sensitivity, both of which have been associated with an increased risk of chronic pain. However, it is unknown whether trauma in adulthood affects these variables and whether the effect on pain catastrophizing is independent of confounds such as depression and anxiety.