The Thematic Apperception Test as an aid in Understanding the Psychodynamics of Development of Chronic Idiopathic Pain Syndrome

41 chronically ill low-back pain patients were submitted to thematic apperception testing. The tape-recorded protocols were evaluated by 2 independent clinicians who judged almost all the patients as depressive. Others were also judged to have deep oral problems with suicidal tendencies. Results showed that one of the main characteristics of low-back pain patients is the denial of aggression. This test was found to be suitable for understanding the complexity of the problem of pain. (24 refs.)