This groundbreaking analysis moves our knowledge of pain and its effects from the biomedical
model to one accounting for its complex psychosocial dimensions. Starting with its facial and
physical display pain is shown in its manifold social contexts-in the lifespan in a family
unit expressed by a member of a gender and or race-and as observed by others. These
observations by caregivers and family are shown as vital to the social dynamic of pain-as
observers react to sufferers' pain and as these reactions affect those suffering. The book's
findings should enhance practitioners' understanding of pain to develop more effective
individualized treatments for clients' pain experience and inspire researchers as well.Among
the topics covered:Why do we care? Evolutionary mechanisms in the social dimension of pain.When
how and why do we express pain?On the overlap between physical and social pain.Facing others
in pain: why context matters.Caregiving impact upon sufferers' cognitive functioning.Targeting
individual and interpersonal processes in therapeutic interventions for chronic pain.Social and
Interpersonal Dynamics in Pain will be a valuable resource for clinicians who deal in pain
practice and management as well as for students and researchers interested in the social
interpersonal and emotional variables that contribute to pain the processes with which pain
is associated and the psychology of pain in general.
