Psychology of Pain - Softcover

M. Skevington, Suzanne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471957739 ISBN 13: 9780471957737

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 1995

Synopsis

Pain is a personal experience, which everyone encounters at some time, that for some unfortunate individuals becomes a permanent factor in their quality of life and clinical treatment. This is the first book to provide a comprehensive, integrated and accessible account of the experience of pain and its implications. It was written for psychologists, doctors, therapists, counsellors, and nurses in both academic and treatment settings. The experience of pain is examined at all stages from first symptoms of pain and how they relate to personal, social and cultural beliefs and attitudes, through the consultation and treatment process, personal coping, and the effects of pain on patient and carers. At every stage the discussion is based on relevant psychological concepts and a review of the latest research. The book provides an integrated, multidisciplinary account of cognitive, biological and social aspects of pain. An emphasis on social psychological processes leads to a new model of pain that will enlighten both teaching and treatment and guide further research. Accounts of pain often deal with specific, specialised aspects but many students and healthcare professionals need a wider, more person-centred understanding of pain, and will find this book a valuable resource and guide to the experience of pain and its implications for treatment and coping.

About this title

Synopsis:

This is an interdisciplinary review of current research relevant to the psychology of pain. Following consideration of the biological basis of pain and its measurement, the work considers the social and cognitive aspects of the subject. Critical evaluation of this area shows the lack of detailed attention to social factors in the study of pain and demonstrates its importance clinically. The book tracks prospective patients from the time they detect their symptoms through the various social processes of becoming a chronic pain patient. It examines how lay beliefs and the influence of others affect interpretations of illness and the decision about whether to visit a doctor. It also looks at how social relationships affect the pain consultation, the administration of treatment and its adherence. In conclusion, a new social psychological model for the study of pain is offered.

About the Author:

Suzanne Skevington holds a Project Diamond Chair in Health Psychology at the University of Manchester where she directs an international centre for the study of quality of life. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 1995.

About this edition

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0471957739
• ISBN 13: 9780471957737
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 364