Psychological Risk Factors for Pain and Disability: Implications for Treatment

Dr. Michael Sullivan, PhD
Professor of Psychology, Medicine, and Neurology
Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Health

Twenty years ago there were heated debates about psychological influences on pain experience. Today the debate is over.  Research is consistently showing that the way in which people think about their pain can influence their pain.   Consequently, a number of psychological and social factors are now identified as ‘risk factors’ for problematic recovery. In this presentation I will briefly review what is currently known about the role of psychological factors in the development of chronic pain and disability.  I will also describe the assessment tools and intervention techniques that have been used to ameliorate pain-related psychological risk factors.