How pain shapes our social world. (2014)
Abstract
Pain is an important source of human experience. Traditionally it has been defined by its social and psychological costs and treated as a problem that needs to be 'fixed'. This project represents the first systematic study of the ways in which pain may motivate social and behavioural responses that serve to enhance affiliation, communication, solidarity, and group formation. In this way, pain may serve to connect people with their social worlds - it may act as social glue - bringing people together and strengthening social connection. The findings will help to to provide a broader perspective on physical pain and will lead to insights that are important when treating pain.
