Autonomic indices and reactive pain reports on the McGill Pain Questionnaire

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Skin conductance and heart rate measures obtained from subjects previous to, during and after their performance of the cold pressor task were correlated with their responses to the McGill Pain Questionnaire [MPQ] administered immediately after the completion of the cold pressor task. A reliable relationship between skin conductance level and responses on the evaluative scale of the MPQ was found in the resting state, while anticipating the cold pressor task and during this task. Heart rate was related to these pain reports only during the warning or anticipation period. These findings were interpreted as supporting the use of the MPQ in the assessment of the reactive component of pain. The utility of further research into autonomic indices as physiological correlates of this reactive aspect of pain is suggested.