ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information about conceptual models, assessment, and intervention strategies for people with chronic pain with an emphasis on the role of psychological factors and treatment that addresses psychosocial and behavioural contributors to the pain experience. Single-factor models focus on a particular cause of the symptoms reported. The biopsychosocial model presumes some form of physical pathology or at least physical changes in the muscles, joints, or nerves that generate nociceptive input to the brain. The biopsychosocial model has been instrumental in the development of cognitive-behavioural treatment approaches for chronic pain, including assessment and intervention. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) comprises four interrelated components: reconceptualization; skills acquisition; skills consolidation; and generalization and maintenance. To maximize the likelihood of maintenance and generalization of treatment gains, cognitive-behavioural clinical psychologists focus on the cognitive activity of clients as they are confronted with problems throughout treatment.
