Journal of psychosomatic research
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To critically evaluate the interpretation of the findings reported in the peer-reviewed literature concerning the association of state and trait anxiety with surgical recovery and response to surgery. ⋯ Associations between preoperative measures of anxiety and postoperative mood and pain have been consistently reported. Associations with regard to other recovery variables are less consistent. The existing evidence does not rule out an interpretation of the results as reflecting consistent self-reporting bias rather than causal association.