This volume offers a comprehensive account of the psychology of pain that encompasses not only clinical perspectives but also basic social and behavioural science, as well as biopsychological contributions to the field. The relatively recent focus on pain as a subjective experience encompassing thoughts, feelings and sensation has lead to dramatic improvements in our understanding of the complex psychological processes that represent and control pain. There has also been an enhanced understanding of the ontogenetic, socialization and contextual determinants of pain. Mechanisms responsible for...

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...