Pain evaluation and prosocial behaviour are affected by age and sex. (20th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gingras, Chloé; Coll, Michel‐Pierre; Tessier, Marie‐Hélène; Tremblay, Pascale; Jackson, Philip L.
• Is Part Of: European journal of pain. Volume 25:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1925
• Page End: 1937
• Publication Date: 2021-06-20
• Subjects: Pain -- Periodicals; Pain -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Pain -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; 616.0472
• DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-3801

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Pain assessment and pain care are influenced by the characteristics of both the patient and the caregiver. Some studies suggest that the pain of older persons and of females may be underestimated to a greater extent than the pain of younger and male individuals. Aims: This study investigated the effect of age and sex on prosocial behavior and pain evaluation. Methods: 40 young (18–30 y/o; 20 women) and 40 older adults (55–82 y/o; 20 women) acted as healthcare professionals rating the pain and offering help to patients of both age groups. Trait empathy and social desirability were measured with questionnaires. Results: Linear mixed models showed that older and male patients were offered more help and were perceived as being in more intense pain than younger and female patients. Conclusion: The characteristics of the patients seem to have a greater impact on prosocial behavior and pain assessment compared to those of the observers, which bears significant implications for the treatment of pain in clinical contexts.