Chronic Pain as a Learned Behavior

Abstract

Pain not only has a physiological component, but can also be considered from a behavioural perspectiue in which it is understood as a net of dífferent kinds of behaviour (observable and potentially measurable actions) which can be conditioned, modqied and shaped by the environment. The latter plays an important role especially when pain becomes chronic and the factor "passing of time" alters the patient 'S life, who creates a series of strategies for obtaining additional help from the health system. This helps to zitcrease the problem rather than to eliminate it. For this reason, the role of the family which has to change its conduct and attitude, is essential in the elimination of pain, from the behavioural point of view.