I am a licensed Psychologist in Marin County, CA, a speaker; author, and expert blogger for Psychology Today. I treat clients with anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, trauma, weight management, chronic pain and illness. I combine Mindfulness strategies with Cognitive-Behavioral techniques, EMDR, and Emotion-Focused techniques. http://melaniegreenbergphd.com/marin-psychologist/
Hi Dr. Melanie--
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully researched topic. And so relevant. Did you ever conduct the follow-up?
I was especially impressed (and not too surprised, unfortunately) about the correlation b/w women who internalize psychosocial stress, and low quality roles.
Not to say that men have generally healthier coping skills when it comes to stress, but I think their take on pain management benefits them, in the long run. I know some forgo medical tx and unfortunately utilize denial, to the neglect of their health,but sometimes we all need to "man up," or tough it out.
I found the findings on exercise and physical toughness fascinating. I've always been athletic, and I have this (highly non-empirically-based) observation that ppl who tolerate high pain due to athletic pursuits in the form of physically demanding sports/workouts are mentally tougher, more apt to problem solve, and more confident than those who have a low pain threshold, and are not willing to push their bodies in the name of physical fitness....
I always think of a friend, who's super intelligent, but swore that she would never have another child after the morning sickness, difficulty w the pain of childbirth (no complications), and discomfort w nursing that she experienced. She's also quite physically inactive. I always posited that she had somewhat of a disconnect w her physical self...I mean, childbirth is painful, but it's very short-lived...
Who knows? I guess one should never analyze their friends, but after listening to this, it makes sense.
Not being satisfied w a clean bill of health when it came to physical sx made me wonder if some are prone to more concrete thinking, and less psychological insight?
TY for this fascinating and highly useful study. I think this will definitely change the way I perceive the physical presentations of pain, as well as the tendency towards depression and catastrophic thinking.
Love the clinical emphasis on improving self-efficacy and addressing any low quality roles for women.
Btw, you have a charming accent:).
Thanks so much for the great comment Linda. There definitely are individual differences when it comes to pain tolerance. While catastrophizing & anxiety may lower tolerance, there also are genetic differences. Genes have been identified for particularly tough & particularly pain-sensitiv people. You may be one of the genetically blessed - although you may just be psychologically tough - or both! Definitely, some people have less psychological insight and tend to experience distress physically. On the other hand, the current thinking is that chronic pain is a disease of abnormal response to normal pain input - therefore severe symptoms may make ppl search for an explanation in medical terms. Also, there may be secondary gain from a sick role - extra caring from family etc. Pain really is the intersection of mind, body, society.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating and informative presentation, Melanie! I found it particularly interesting to note the differential impact of marriage on men and women. The implication for women of course seems to be to enter this union with care and much thought. Seems this information would be relevant for younger single women ... What a delight to "see" you live, truly! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThank you! As you say, for women It's not marriage itself that is important for health, but the quality of the relationship. Good marriages can be health-enhancing - bad marriages can cause stress that is a threat to health.
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