Health Psychology, 2nd Edition

30 BIOLOGICAL BASES OF HEALTH AND ILLNESS

Conditions that can open and close the pain gate

Conditions that open the gate

• Physical conditions:
  
  
  • extent of the injury;
  
  
  • inappropriate activity level.
  
  
  
  


• Emotional conditions:
  
  
  • anxiety or worry;
  
  
  • tension;
  
  
  • depression.
  
  
  
  


• Mental conditions:
  
  
  • focusing on the pain;
  
  
  • boredom, little involvement in life activities.
  
  
  
  

Conditions that close the gate

• Physical conditions:
  
  
  • medication;
  
  
  • counterstimulation (e.g. heat or massage).
  
  
  
  


• Emotional conditions:
  
  
  • positive emotions (e.g. happiness or optimism);
  
  
  • relaxation;
    –rest.
  
  
  
  


• Mental conditions:
  
  
  • intense concentration or distraction;
  
  
  • involvement and interest in life activities.
  
  
  
  

Source: Adapted from Sarafino (2008); based on material by Karol et al., cited in Turk, Meichenbaum

and Genest (1983).

FOCUS 2.1