Embodying The Biopsychosocial Approach
Just as a gourmet meal is more than its ingredients, blending flavours, textures, and techniques, pain emerges from the complex interaction of various biopsychosocial building blocks.
Crucially, we must distinguish between “harm,” which refers to the physical insult our body sustains.
And “hurt,” which refers to the unpleasant lived experiences from our body’s defences.
Hurt generates an evocative sensory, emotional, and cognitive experience, which shields us from “real” or “potential” harm.
Pain is just one of the many valuable survival tools, alongside fear, anxiety, and avoidance, driving our behaviours towards self-preservation.
Varied defensive motivational states account for why some endure strong pain easily, while others are deeply affected by minor discomforts.
Harmful beliefs hurt in a different sense. They inflict psychological injury, leading to feelings of vulnerability and helplessness with lasting effects.
Such beliefs can trigger a chain reaction of negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, pushing us into a downward spiral that worsens our well-being.
The biopsychosocial approach, rooted in George Engel's work from over 50 years ago, challenges conventional healthcare views, highlights scientific knowledge limits, and underscores the unpredictability of pain-relief methods.
This perspective sheds light on why common treatments varies in effectiveness: helping some, leaving others unchanged, or even worsening pain. Crucially, it offers hope to those still searching for relief.
Rather than chasing an ellusive “cure” or “quick relief,” embracing a broader perspective can lead to more adaptable and empathetic pain management.
