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Family etiology of chronic pain

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Abstract

The existence of family etiology of chronic pain is at present generally accepted as valid. Some family-related features are commonly witnessed in these patients. Pain patients are often raised by indifferent or abusing parents, submitted to parental pain models and taught a somatic vocabulary to label their emotions.

They are rewarded for pain-behaviors. They communicate principally through illness, pain and complaints. Their familial status rests on the maintenance of the sick role.

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  1. neurological department Hopital Universitaire Saint-Pierre, 322, rue Haute, 1000, Brussels, Belgium

    Anita Violon Ph.D.

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  1. Anita Violon Ph.D.
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Violon, A. Family etiology of chronic pain. International Journal of Family Therapy 7, 235–246 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00924025

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