The significance of personality in pain from gallbladder stones

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between personality factors related to coping styles and reported pain due to gall stones. Methods: Personality trait measures were completed by 28 consecutiv e gallstone patients to provide estimates of positive coping resources (Lif e Regard Index, Sense of Coherence Scale, Sense of Humor Questionnaire) and negative coping resources (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire on Neuroticis m, Tension, and Effort Stress inventory). An overall index of gallstone-rel ated complaints (pain) over the past 7 days/6 months was also obtained. Ult rasonography confirmed the gallstone condition. Multiple regression analyse s tested the hypothesis that pain would be moderated by positive coping res ources and mediated by negative coping resources. Results: Reported pain wa s less severe with positive coping resources (39% of pain variance explaine d) and more severe with negative coping resources (45% of pain variance exp lained). Conclusion: The results confirm that mental coping resources have a significant role in pain differences among gallstone patients.