Burns JW, et al. - In this study, a laboratory procedure was used to ascertain whether variability in spouse criticism/hostility exhibited toward chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients during a conflictual discussion predicted variability in patient pain and function during a subsequent pain-induction task. Findings revealed that spouse criticism/hostility could worsen chronic low back pain patient symptoms. Furthermore, women and patients high in depressive symptoms semed to be most vulnerable to spouse criticism/hostility.