Pain Theories: From Descartes to the Enactive Approach

Peter did a 2-part lecture titled: Pain Theories: From Descartes to the Enactive Approach. In part 1, he discusses influential pain theories that have impacted clinical practice. He discusses the pros and cons of these theories, including the application of the biopsychosocial model to pain. In part 2, he discusses how the enactive approach to pain is a truly holistic approach that adds to the biopsychosocial model. He gives examples of how the enactive approach may help us better understand pain and validate patients’ complex experiences.

This 2-Part Lecture Will:

· Review historical pain theories from Descartes up to the biopsychosocial model of pain.

· Outline why it is important to consider our pain theories.

· Discuss limitations of the biopsychosocial model when applied to pain.

· Introduce the enactive approach to pain and some of its core constructs. · Discuss the clinical implications of pain theories, including the enactive approach to pain.