Publication Date
2007
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Department
School for Social Work
Abstract
The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between inpatient psychiatric patients' histories of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse (Abuse) and their current experience of physical pain. This study explored this association between Abuse and physical pain in adult inpatient psychiatric patients in two locations—Burlington, Vermont and Ontario, Canada. It was hypothesized that rates of Abuse between the two locations would not differ significantly, but that patients with a history of Abuse would score higher on a pain scale (report more severe pain) than those without an Abuse history. Through secondary data analyses using previously collected data the relationships between Abuse and physical pain were considered. Data was collected using the International Resident Assessment Instrument-Mental Health (interRIA-MH). Results demonstrated a significant difference in the rates of Abuse between the two locations, however, results overwhelmingly confirmed the hypothesis that patients with history of Abuse reported more types of pain as well as more severe pain than their counterparts without a history of Abuse. These findings are generally in agreement with previous studies and support the use of a biopsychosocial model of assessment and treatment.
Recommended Citation
Vigil, Kathryn Irene, "The association between physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and physical pain : a comparison of psychiatric patients in Ontario, Canada and Burlington, Vermont" (2007). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/407
Comments
v, 65 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2007. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-62).