Lecture 8 Flashcards
Why is pain a key focus in health psychology?
Pain is the most common symptom leading to health service use and is heavily influenced by psychosocial processes.
What does the specificity theory of pain propose?
Pain is directly proportional to tissue damage.
What is the main idea of the gate-control theory of pain?
Pain signals are modulated by a “neural gate” in the spinal cord, influenced by sensory input and other factors.
How does the neuromatrix theory differ from the gate-control theory?
It emphasizes that pain originates from the brain’s neural networks and can occur without sensory input.
What are two methods of assessing pain?
Self-reports (e.g., numerical scales) and observation of nonverbal behaviors (e.g., facial expressions).
What does the Wong-Baker FACES scale measure?
Pain in children aged 4 to 16 using facial expressions.
How do emotions affect pain?
Positive emotions reduce pain, while negative emotions worsen it and are often a result of chronic pain.
What is pain catastrophizing?
Magnifying negative thoughts about pain, leading to increased intensity and chronicity.
How is social pain similar to physical pain?
Both activate brain areas like the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and anterior insula.
What is an example of a treatment for social pain?
Acetaminophen reduces both physical and social pain responses.
Why are biopsychosocial approaches important in pain management?
Pain is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, making multidisciplinary treatments more effective.
Pain is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, making multidisciplinary treatments more effective.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback.
According to the neuromatrix theory, how can phantom limb pain occur?
Pain originates in the brain’s neural network, not the limb, so it continues even after amputation.
Example: An amputee might feel itching or pain in a limb that is no longer there.
What is an example of a maladaptive coping strategy for pain?
Catastrophizing—focusing excessively on negative thoughts about pain.
Example: A person with arthritis constantly worrying that their pain will never improve.
What is pain acceptance, and why is it effective?
Accepting pain allows individuals to focus on daily activities without being consumed by the pain
Example: A person with chronic back pain continues gardening despite discomfort.
What is social pain?
Pain resulting from interpersonal rejection or loss.
i.e. heartbreak
How does fMRI research link social and physical pain?
Both activate the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and anterior insula
Example: Brain scans show similar activity when someone experiences a physical injury or social exclusion.
What is an example of an adaptive coping strategy?
Distraction—shifting focus away from pain to reduce its intensity.
Example: A person listens to music to distract themselves during dental work.
