pain intervention programs are more effective than others. For example,

Anderson and Masur (1983) suggested that the most effective type of

psychological preparation "appears to be a combination of sensory and

procedural data" given to a patient prior to surgery (p. 10). They add

that although these approaches have been effective in terms of selective

outcome measures, "the underlying mechanism has remained elusive"

(Anderson & Masur, 1983, p. 10). Thus, in this study I analyzed two

components of personality: type and coping style as they relate to pain

response.

 By examining the relationship between pain response and personality, I

suggest additional components to the puzzle of pain. Findings may lead to

revision of the education of health care personnel and of pain interven-

tion programs. Today, government policy is aimed at decreasing health

care expense. I designed this study to generate knowledge that could

influence the length of hospital stay. Thus, this study has economic as

well as social ramifications.


 Background of the Study


 Pain is a subjective experience. This subjectivity has limited

attempts to quantify and study pain. Some investigators examine labora-

tory-induced pain and others study either chronic or acute pain. The

question arises as to the role cognitive factors play in pain and pain

expression. Does personality mediate pain expression? If so, how might

this information be useful in planning an appropriate intervention

program?