Experience of Trauma and Pain in Women and Men: A Study in the General Population

Background: The relationship between trauma, post-traumatic stress and pain has been well-documented in psychological research, as well as the greater vulnerability of women to these conditions. However, there is limited knowledge available in the general population. The present study aims to analyze gender differences in the presence and impact of trauma, central sensitization, pain, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress in a Spanish community sample, as well as the relationship between these variables in men and women. Methods: A total of 1529 participants completed several self-report questionnaires and were distributed into three groups: Central sensitization syndrome (CSS), other pathology, and healthy. Results: Across all groups, women reported significantly higher levels in almost all evaluated measures when compared to men. Women (in all groups) suffered more interpersonal and continued trauma and showed a higher rate of diagnosis and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men. The link between PTSD symptomatology and pain was more pronounced in women than in men in both the CSS and healthy groups. Conclusions: These results support the contribution of trauma sequelae to the experience and chronification of pain, and suggest the need to address PTSD symptoms in pain management, especially in women.