Several theoretical frameworks have been proposed to explain the physiological basis of pain, although none yet completely accounts for all aspects of pain perception. Here, we provide a historical overview of the major contributions, ideas, and competing theories of pain from ancient civilizations to Melzack and Wall's Gate Control Theory of Pain.

In 1965 Melzack and Wall proposed the influential gate control theory of pain. This theory postulates that the substantia gelatinosa, located within the spinal cord, acts as a gate control mechanism which can influence the flow of information to the brain and thus impact on the pain experience. Subsequent research has, in general, supported this theory. The theory presented is very explicit and...

One of the most challenging expectations for nurses—in research or clinical settings—is the translation of nursing theory for use in practice and research. The Ladder of Abstraction is a construct depicting 3 different levels of ideas regarding a health issue, such as pain. The Ladder of Abstraction has 3 rungs: the philosophical, theoretical, and empirical rungs—3 different ways to think about...

The perception of unpleasant stimuli enhances whereas the perception of pleasant stimuli decreases pain perception. In contrast, the effects of pain on the processing of emotional stimuli are much less known. Especially given the recent interest in facial expressions of pain as a special category of emotional stimuli, a main topic in this research line is the mutual influence of pain and facial...

Soper’s pain-brain theory, based on evolutionary biology, represents a provocative breakthrough for both suicidology and positive psychology. The main thesis of the book is that evolved way choosing to live rather than die in face unbearable suffering develop zest happiness meaning. His new theory can be summed up by two-by-two matrix “pain-type” versus “brain-type” reducing pain, “keeper” “fen...