Theory of Mind and Emotional Awareness in Chronic Somatoform Pain Patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The present study aimed at investigating whether chronic pain patients are impaired in Theory of Mind (ToM), or Emotional Awareness.

Methods

Thirty inpatients suffering from chronic somatoform pain, as well as thirty healthy controls matched for age, sex, and education were recruited. ToM abilities were measured using the Frith-Happé animation task, in which participants interpret video-clips depicting moving geometric forms that mimic social interactions. The responses given were scored for appropriateness and the degree of inferred intentionality according to established protocols. Emotional awareness was measured using the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS), for which participants provide written descriptions of feelings in imaginary emotional situations

SUBMITTER: Zunhammer M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4596852 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature