Psychological factors in chronic pain: a worthwhile undertaking for nursing?
Chronic pain is one of the clearest examples of the complex relationship between the mind, body, spirit, and environment. After decades of research, a growing body of evidence supports the importance of certain psychological factors in the chronic pain experience. This article reviews research related to evaluating the role of depression, personality factors, pain-related beliefs, trauma, and coping style in the chronic pain experience. Understanding and using the findings of this research can improve nursing care of persons with chronic pain.
Lewandowski
Wendy
W
College of Nursing, 113 Henderson Hall, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA. wlewando@kent.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010551:Personality; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology