Social and Cultural Constructs of Pain
Presented by Adriaan Louw
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Meet your instructor
Adriaan Louw
Adriaan earned his undergraduate degree, master’s degree, and PhD in physiotherapy from Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an adjunct faculty member at St. Ambrose University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, teaching pain science. Adriaan has taught throughout the US and internationally for 25…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Social Support and Pain
Social connection is a fundamental need for human beings. This chapter will explore the relationship between social support and pain, and will demonstrate that lack of support is correlated with risk for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Clinical applications for facilitating socialization are discussed.
2. Ethnicity, Culture and Pain
Ethnicity and culture play an important role in how people experience and express pain. If these differences are not properly understood by health care practitioners, patients can be perceived as “abnormal,” detrimentally affecting their treatment. This chapter provides an overview of the two main responses to pain and suggests ways in which to navigate the waters of cultural diversity in treating pain patients.
3. Nature vs. Nurture
An individual’s propensity towards chronic pain is influenced by both nature and nurture. This chapter explores the relationship between genetics and pain, as well as that of parental influences and learned behaviors regarding pain. Clinical considerations are explored as therapists seek to influence how their patients (and their parents) approach pain.
