Comprehensive Assessment of Pain in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Empirical Model

Abstract

A comprehensive assessment model of variables hypothesized to influence pediatric pain perception was empirically investigated in 23 families who had a child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. To determine the effects of family environment, child psychological adjustment, and disease parameters on child pain perception, a developmentally appropriate model was developed. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 were found to be reliable judges of their pain intensity. Several family environmental and child psychological factors were found to interact with specific disease parameters in determining pediatric pain perception and report. A multidimensional age-appropriate assessment model is suggested for use in the further examination of pediatric chronic and recurrent pain.