Three phases of evil: the relation of injury to pain

It is proposed that injury may be followed by three phases of behaviour in human beings and animals. In the immediate phase, pain may not occur and other activities take precedence. Even when the victims are fully aware of their injury, these other activities may include fighting, escaping and obtaining safety and aid. Once relative safety from the source of injury has been achieved, a new form of behaviour related to allowing recovery begins. This is the acute stage. The need for the initiation of this behaviour is signalled by pain. In the transition stage from injury to the beginning of recovery, anxiety is a cardinal feature. The anxiety is directed at assuring safety from the original damage, at assuring the best conditions for the initiation of treatment and recovery, and at the possible future consequences of the damage. This phase merges with the third period, during which quiet inactivity is the optimal tactic to encourage cure and recovery. This third stage associated with pain and depression may appear prolonged far beyond the necessary period for recovery. It is proposed here that pain is associated with the search for treatment and optimal conditions for recovery.