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Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
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To control or not? A motivational perspective on coping with pain
Emelien Lauwerier1, Stefaan Van Damme, Liesbet Goubert
1Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Emelien.Lauwerier@Ugent.be
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|March 20, 2012
Summary
Focusing solely on pain relief can be counterproductive. A motivational approach suggests prioritizing functioning despite pain for better adaptation and reduced limitations.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Psychology of Pain
- Motivational Psychology
Background:
- Pain relief is a primary treatment goal for patients experiencing pain.
- An exclusive focus on pain relief may paradoxically impede successful adaptation.
- Persistent pain control attempts can lead to increased frustration and limitations.
Observation:
- Accumulating evidence suggests that excessive focus on pain control has negative consequences.
- A motivational perspective reframes pain control as protecting valued life goals.
- This perspective explains why some patients overuse pain control strategies, like medication.
Findings:
- Excessive pursuit of pain control can hinder adaptation and increase limitations.
- A motivational framework explains the drive for pain control despite negative outcomes.
- Over-reliance on pain control strategies may lead to adverse effects such as medication overuse.
Implications:
- Clinicians should exercise caution when promoting strategies solely focused on pain relief.
- Interventions should balance pain relief with improving functioning despite pain.
- Psychological and physical therapy interventions can benefit patients with chronic pain and associated problems.
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