Pain: Some psychological and sociological aspects

Abstract

This paper considers the role of psychological and sociological factors in pain perception and behaviour. Among the issues discussed are the effects of cultural and family background, the social context, gender and individual differences. The placebo effect is examined and the article concludes by suggesting ways in which the information may be relevant to practising physiotherapists. This paper considers the role of psychological and sociological factors in pain perception and behaviour. Among the issues discussed are the effects of cultural and family background, the social context, gender and individual differences. The placebo effect is examined and the article concludes by suggesting ways in which the information may be relevant to practising physiotherapists. Biography: Sally French qualified as a physiotherapist from the Royal National Institute for the Blind School of Physiotherapy in 1972 and completed her physiotherapy teaching diploma in 1978. While working as a teacher she gained degrees in psychology and sociology and has a particular interest in the application of the behavioural sciences to illness and disability. She is now a senior lecturer in the Department of Medical Sciences and Health Studies at the Polytechnic of East London.