What have psychologists discovered about pain?
Definition of pain
Psychologists have found out many things underlying pain, including its theories and types; measurement of pain; as well as ways of managing and controlling pain. The definition of pain is very subjective. It is generally described as the unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. However, a nursing definition of pain is ‘whatever the experiencing person says it is, existing whenever he says it does’.
Theories of pain
There are two main theories of pain. The Specificity Theory of Pain proposed by Descartes (1644) states that there are four sensory receptors in bodily tissues (i.e. warmth, cold, pressure and pain) that connect to a pain center in the brain. However, this theory is superseded by Melzack and Wall’s (1965) Gate Control Theory which explains that physical pain is not directly felt upon the infliction of pain on the pain receptors, but our spinal cord acts as a neurological ‘gate’ that either blocks or allows pain signals to proceed to the brain. In other words, their theory states that pain comprises of both physiological and psychological factors — which explains why sometimes we did not feel the paper cut on our finger until after some time, usually after we notice it.
Types of pain
There are also different types of pain. Acute pain is the type of pain which subsides after some time and the damage eventually heals. Chronic pain is said to occur when the pain does not subside even though the damage is apparently healed, sometimes lasting for months or years. Psychogenic pain is the pain caused by some underlying psychological disorder such as depression and anxiety. Phantom limb pain is the feeling that an amputated body part is still ‘there’, generally described as a burning, itching or tingling sensation that may or may not be painful.
Measuring pain
Psychologists have attempted to measure pain using self report and observational methods, the most common method being the questionnaires. Melzack (1975) developed the McGail Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) to ask patients the locations, type, and intensity of their pain. Pain behaviours can also be observed by using the UAB Pain Behaviour Scale as a guide. Other examples of pain measurement tools include the Children’s Comprehensive Pain Questionnaire (McGrath, 1987) and Wong-Baker Scale which are to be answered by children.
Managing & controlling pain
Pain can be managed by medical, psychological or alternative techniques. Medical techniques include the use of analgesic medicines or drugs such as aspirin (blocking pain perception via the Peripheral Nervous System) and morphine (affecting the Central Nervous System directly). Local anesthetics can be applied externally (e.g. rub-in cream) but are more effective when injected to the site. Psychological techniques include attention diversion, non-pain imagery, and cognitive redefinition (positive thinking). Alternative techniques include the use of acupuncture and stimulation therapy e.g. TENS.
It has to be noted though, that the different ways pain is being measured with can be assessed for their effectiveness because of the fact that there are many types of pain, hence one measurement method may only work for a certain type of pain.
References
- David Clarke, 2013, Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology Revision Guide, Hodder Education, UK.
- Karen Rodham, 2010, Health Psychology (Palgrave Insights in Psychology), Palgrave Macmillan, NY.
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