Highlights
- •Pain research has historically paid little attention to verbal learning pathways.
- •Relational frame theory is a relevant approach to study verbal processes.
- •Future research should examine the role of verbal rule-following in chronic pain.
- •Verbal rule-following can improve our understanding of (mal)adaptive functioning.
- •A focus on (in)flexible verbal rule-following may advance treatment strategies.
Abstract
Research on chronic pain has traditionally focused on how direct pain experiences
lead to maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and actions that set the stage for, and maintain,
pain-related disability. Yet the capacity for language (and more specifically verbal
instructions or rules) to put people into indirect contact with pain has never been
systematically investigated. In this article, we introduce a novel theoretical perspective
on verbal processes and discuss how the study of verbal rules may increase our understanding
of both maladaptive and adaptive functioning in chronic pain. Several useful characteristics
of verbal rules and rule-following in the context of chronic pain are outlined. Future
research directions and implications for clinical practice are then discussed.
Perspective: This focus article argues that, by studying verbal rules and rule-following,
we will gain a better understanding of (mal)adaptive functioning in the context of
chronic pain. Future research directions are outlined and suggestions for improving
clinical practice are considered.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 27, 2019
Footnotes
Supported by a grant from the Special Research Fund of Ghent University, grant number BOF15/24j/017, awarded to L.G. and S.H. S.H. is also supported by Methusalem Grant BOF16/MET_V/002 of Ghent University awarded to Jan De Houwer. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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© 2019 by the American Pain Society
