The influence of psychological variables on the development and perception of musculoskeletal pain

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Abstract
The development and perception of pain is influenced by cognitive, affective and behavioural factors. It is dependent, for example, on selective attention and the filtering of potentially relevant messages. People who are vigilant and aware of bodily cues are more likely to respond by reporting pain. Labelling of the pain and its meaning to the individual also influences the pain response. Social modelling and social reinforcement help to explain individual differences in pain response. A person's future behaviour may be influenced by role models such as a parental figure. Pain responses may also be shaped by reinforcement from the current social environment. Finally, anxiety levels and mood state may be important moderators of pain responses.