Examining Adult Attachment- and Psychopathy-Related Variables Within the Social Communication Model of Pain
Date
2024-07-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0009-0008-5115-046X
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
The Social Communication Model of Pain (SCM; Craig, 2009, 2015) offers a framework for understanding the social processes involved in perceiving and communicating pain. Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) has also emerged as a promising conceptual framework for examining the social aspects of pain. This study aimed to determine whether individuals displaying high pain behavior (HPB) were perceived differently than those displaying low pain behavior (LPB), and whether observer characteristics, such as attachment insecurity and psychopathy, influenced these perceptions. A university sample of 201 participants took part in a study involving questionnaires, computer-administered tasks, and video presentations of individuals with chronic back pain exhibiting high or LPB. Participants rated these individuals on various dimensions and completed a recognition memory task. Consistent with hypotheses, individuals depicted in HPB vignettes were perceived less positively, as more vulnerable, and as less mentally healthy than those in the LPB vignettes. The HPB vignettes also received higher support worthiness ratings. Overall, the correlation and regression analyses yielded modest associations, offering limited support for the hypotheses. The psychopathy-related variables exhibited stronger associations with the dependent variables compared to attachment insecurity, suggesting the construct of psychopathy may be a particularly important influence on observers’ reactions to strangers experiencing pain. Further research is required for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interpersonal and intrapersonal factors that influence pain communication and responses to those in pain. Past research on the SCM primarily focused on variables associated with the degree of concern, compassion, and judgment directed towards individuals in pain. The findings from the current study highlight the need to consider pain, particularly when it is accompanied by high levels of pain behavior, as a potential susceptibility to exploitation.
Description
Keywords
chronic pain, social communication model, attachment theory, psychopathy
Citation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Psychology
Program
Clinical