Principles & Practice of Pain Medicine > Part III. Psychological Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Pain > Chapter 12. Psychological Aspects of Pain Dennis C. Turk and Akiko Okifuji

Psychological Factors Affecting Pain Experience

"A number of psychological principles based in leaning theory have been extended to pain. These principles provide helpful explanations for many clinical observations. Moreover, a number of cognitive and affective factors have been demonstrated to influence expressions of pain and participation in rehabilitation. We can consider the major psychological, sociocultural, and behavioral principles and factors studied and then consider how they can be integrated to create a comprehensive model of pain that can serve as a guide for assessment and, ultimately, treatment.As long ago as the early part of the twentieth century, the effects of environmental factors in shaping the experience of pain were acknowledged. A new era in thinking about pain began in 1976 when Fordyce³ extended the principles of operant conditioning to chronic pain and disability...."