Pain intensity and health locus of control: A comparison of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis

The major purpose of this study was to determine if 31 patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) reported different pain intensity and Health Locus of Control (HLC) scores than 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Another purpose was to determine the relationship among experienced actual pain (present, usual, worse, least), recalled prior episodes of pain (worse toothache, headache, and stomachache), HLC orientation, age and the duration of the actual pain. Visual Analogue Scales were used to measure pain intensity. The Health Locus of Control Scale was used to determine external/internal orientation. The results showed that the FS patients reported significantly more intense actual pain, recalled pain for worse toothache and headache, and were more externally oriented than the RA patients. Present pain intensity was significantly correlated to actual pain intensity ratings, but not to reported earlier experienced pain, except for worse stomach ache in the RA group. The findings' implications for treatment and education are discussed.