Accuracy of memory for experimental pain: A sensory decision analysis

Abstract

Memory for cold pressor pain was assessed in 43 healthy males and females from three ethnocultural groups: Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic. A sensory decision theory (SDT) approach was used to examine the question: Do people remember the actual sensations and emotions, or the words that were used to describe the pain experience? The Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), and ratings of expected pain were examined in relation to memory as well. Forty words from the Multidimensional Affect and Pain Survey (MAPS) were matched with 40 words demonstrated to be synonyms. After experiencing the cold pressor test, each subject selected words from the MAPS list which described their experience. Following a one week delay, recognition memory for their cold pressor experience was assessed using both word lists. The subject responded 'old' or 'new' to each item. If the subject said 'old' to a previously checked word or synonym, a hit (correct response) was scored. If the subject said 'old' to a word which had not been checked previously, a false alarm (error) was scored. A repeated measures ANOVA found memory, P(A), between old and new MAPS words to be significantly better than that for the synonyms, F (1,41) = 36.0, {dollar}p <{dollar}.001. This finding suggests that individuals did not recall the actual experience, but rather the words which they previously used to describe that experience. Caucasians had significantly higher memory, P(A), scores than either African American or Hispanic subjects. Caucasian females and Hispanic males had a significantly higher report criterion, B, fewer reports of "old", than the other groups when judging the synonym list. Subjects identified as catastrophizers by the CSQ had significantly lower P(A) scores for the Synonym word list. Subjects identified as anxious and hostile by the POMS raised their report criterion, B, when judging the Synonym word list. Ratings of expected pain did not correlate with ratings of remembered pain. In summary, the present study used two parameters of memory assessment (SDT), rather than traditional memory methods. A multidimensional approach to pain memory including cognitive coping and mood is discussed.