Pain Psychological Perspectives

This invaluable resource presents a state-of-the-art account of the psychology of pain from leading researchers. It features contributions from clinical, social, and biopsychological perspectives, the latest theories of pain, as well as basic processes and applied issues. The book opens with an introduction to the history of pain theory and the epidemiology of pain. It then explores theoretical work, including the gate control theory/neuromatrix model, as well as biopsychosocial, cognitive/behavioral, and psychodynamic perspectives. Issues, such as the link between psychophysiological processes and consciousness and the communication of pain are examined. Pain over the life span, ethno-cultural, and individual differences are the focus of the next three chapters.

Pain: Psychological Perspectives addresses current clinical issues:

* pain assessment and acute and chronic pain interventions;

* the unavailability of psychological interventions for chronic pain in a number of settings, the use of self-report, and issues related to the implementation of certain biomedical interventions; and

* the latest ethical standards and the theories.

Intended for practitioners, researchers, and students involved with the study of pain in fields such as clinical and health psychology, this book will also appeal to physicians, nurses, and physiotherapists. Pain is ideal for advanced courses on the psychology of pain, pain management, and related courses that address this topic.

Contents: Preface. T. Hadjistavropoulos, K.D. Craig, An Introduction to Pain: Psychological Perspectives. R. Melzack, J. Katz, The Gate Control Theory: Reaching for the Brain. G.J.G. Asmundson, K.D. Wright, Biopsychosocial Approaches to Pain. C.R. Chapman, Pain Perception, Affective Mechanisms, and Conscious Experience. T. Hadjistavropoulos, K.D. Craig, S. Fuchs-Lacelle, Social Influences and the Communication of Pain. S.J. Gibson, C.T. Chambers, Pain Over the Life Span: A Developmental Perspective. G.B. Rollman, Ethnocultural Variations in the Experience of Pain. S.M. Skevington, V.L. Mason, Social Influences on Individual Differences in Responding to Pain. D.C. Turk, E.S. Monarch, A.D. Williams, Assessment of Chronic Pain Sufferers. S. Bruehl, O.Y. Chung, Psychological Interventions for Acute Pain. H.D. Hadjistavropoulos, A.C. de C. Williams, Psychological Interventions and Chronic Pain. K.D. Craig, T. Hadjistavropoulos, Psychological Perspectives on Pain: Controversies. T. Hadjistavropoulos, Ethics for Psychologists Who Treat, Assess, and/or Study Pain.