* What explanations have been advanced for pain and and what are their shortcomings?

* How do theoretical models account for apparent anomalies in the experience of pain?

* What are the implications for clinical practice and how has practice guided theory?

Psychology has made an enormous contribution to the understanding of pain and its phenomena, mechanisms, and treatments. This book explores and integrates current research in key areas of pain and pain management from a psychological perspective, and places recent developments in an historical context.

The experience of pain cannot be captured in physiological terms, and treatments based on physical models are often inadequate. This book explores the multidimensional nature of pain mechanisms, including the roles of past experience, culture and personality, and considers the implications for research and treatment. The approach is primarily theoretical, but with a significant emphasis on clinical practice and application. This balance is often lacking in comparable texts, and is enhanced by the professional and research background of the authors.

This clear and approachable text includes self-contained chapters that can be regarded as units of study and a unified glossary of terms completes the package. It is designed to provide a key resource for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses in health psychology, clinical psychology and social psychology as well as students and practitioners in health and social welfare.