202510.10
Effects of Pain Catastrophizing on Pain-Related Resting-State Functional Connectivity(Poster Presentation at International Conference)
Posted in RESEARCH
People experience pain in different ways. These differences are influenced not only by physical factors but also by psychological tendencies such as pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing: PCS) — a pattern of thinking in which individuals tend to overestimate pain and feel that it is unbearable or uncontrollable.
In this study, we examined how such catastrophic thinking affects brain function using fMRI. The results showed that individuals with higher PCS scores exhibited stronger connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala, regions involved in the emotional aspect of pain. This finding suggests that pain distress is shaped not only by sensory intensity but also by cognitive and emotional processes. Our research provides insights that may contribute to understanding chronic pain and developing psychological support strategies.
These findings were presented at the International Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ISPN 2025) held in London on October 10, 2025, under the title “Trait Modulation of Pain-Related Resting-State Connectivity: The Role of Pain Catastrophizing.” The conference, with a strong clinical focus, featured active discussions on how research findings can be translated into practical treatments. Presenting in the electronic poster format for the first time also provided a valuable opportunity for interactive exchange with researchers from diverse backgrounds, making it a highly stimulating and rewarding experience.（CHANG）
People experience pain in different ways. These differences are influenced not only by physical factors but also by psychological tendencies such as pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing: PCS) — a pattern of thinking in which individuals tend to overestimate pain and feel that it is unbearable or uncontrollable.
In this study, we examined how such catastrophic thinking affects brain function using fMRI. The results showed that individuals with higher PCS scores exhibited stronger connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala, regions involved in the emotional aspect of pain. This finding suggests that pain distress is shaped not only by sensory intensity but also by cognitive and emotional processes. Our research provides insights that may contribute to understanding chronic pain and developing psychological support strategies.
These findings were presented at the International Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ISPN 2025) held in London on October 10, 2025, under the title “Trait Modulation of Pain-Related Resting-State Connectivity: The Role of Pain Catastrophizing.” The conference, with a strong clinical focus, featured active discussions on how research findings can be translated into practical treatments. Presenting in the electronic poster format for the first time also provided a valuable opportunity for interactive exchange with researchers from diverse backgrounds, making it a highly stimulating and rewarding experience.（CHANG）
https://aspnpain.com/international-society-of-pain-and-neuroscience/