Pain and other Physical Ailments

Chronic pain is a serious and extensive health issue, not only at an individual level but also at a group and community level as many people suffer from pain at some point in their lives. Pain has serious consequences for the individual in the form of suffering and restrictions to daily activities, and can lead to depression and other emotional problems in the long-term. In addition, chronic pain often results in sick leave, which in turn has consequences for organisations and healthcare. 

Chronic pain is a longstanding research area within CHAMP. Our research ranges from basic experimental studies on the mechanisms of pain that form the basis for theory development, to the identification of risk factors and clinical studies wherein psychological interventions to treat pain are tested. Research is conducted in laboratory, clinical, and non-clinical settings, such as workplaces. Different types of pain, such as musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and vulvovaginal pain, are examined in different groups, such as the young and the elderly. 

Research on other long-term physical issues, such as IBS, tinnitus, diabetes and obesity, is also ongoing. Here, as in the research on chronic pain, theories about perpetuating psychological mechanisms and risk factors are examined, as well as how treatments and preventive measures can be developed to alleviate health issues and improve functioning and quality of life. The implications of group and identity processes on health behaviour and health outcomes are also examined.