Social and Cultural Constructs of Pain

Course overview

Pain is a normal part of human existence: Everyone experiences it, but not everyone experiences it in the same way. An individual's social support system and cultural differences shape their pain experience and can have a significant impact on their prognosis and treatment. This course will explore the bio-psycho-social aspects of pain, with particular attention given to the social and cultural constructs of pain. The course will also answer the question of "So what?," offering clinical applications related to these social and cultural constructs. Getting a handle on pain peculiarities will equip therapists to point their treatment plans in a direction that fosters meaningful change in the lives of their patients.