Burns JW, et al. - Researchers performed a laboratory procedure 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. Observations supported that spouse criticism and hostility—actually expressed or perceived—could aggravate CLBP patient symptoms. Moreover, spouse criticism/hostility seemed most vulnerably influencing women patients and patients high in depressive symptoms. Thus, appropriate targets for intervention might include negative marital communication patterns, especially among these 2 at risk groups.