Despite of some methodological problems in assessment, a number of studies indicate the predictive value of psychological variables in the quality of life of patients recovering from various traumatic injuries or surgical interventions. Following this line of research, this study focused on the psychological correlates of subjective pain in patients recovering from a major orthopedic surgery (hip replacement). Subjects included in the study group completed self-rated assessment scales of anxiety and depression designed to by minimally affected by physical symptoms, a coping style scale, scales assessing catastrophic thought and pessimistic biases, along with assessments of subjective pain, disability and physical impairment. Several socio-demographical variables (age, sex, education) were also recorded. The regression analysis we performed confirms the psycho-social dimension of pain experience.