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Operant Learning Theory in Pain and Chronic Pain Rehabilitation

  • Psychiatric Management of Pain (MR Clark, Section Editor)
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Abstract

The application of operant learning theory on chronic pain by Fordyce has had a huge impact on chronic pain research and management. The operant model focuses on pain behaviors as a major component of the pain problem, and postulates that they are subject to environmental contingencies. The role of operant learning in pain behaviors generally has been supported by experimental studies, which are reviewed in the present article. Subsequently, the rationale, goals, and methods of operant behavioral treatment of chronic pain are outlined. Special attention is paid to three therapeutic techniques (graded activity, activity pacing, and time-contingent medication management), which are discussed in detail with regard to their operationalization, effectiveness, and (possible) mechanisms of action. Criticisms of the operant model are presented, as are suggestions for the optimization of (operant) behavioral treatment efficacy.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Odysseus Grant “The Psychology of Pain and Disability Research Program” funded by the Research Foundation—Flanders, Belgium (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek [FWO] Vlaanderen).

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No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Group Health Psychology, University of Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Box 3726, 3000, Leuven, Belgium

    Rena Gatzounis, Martien G. S. Schrooten & Johan W. S. Vlaeyen

  2. Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, P. O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands

    Martien G. S. Schrooten & Johan W. S. Vlaeyen

  3. Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Geert Crombez

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  1. Rena Gatzounis
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  2. Martien G. S. Schrooten
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  3. Geert Crombez
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  4. Johan W. S. Vlaeyen
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Correspondence to Rena Gatzounis.

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Gatzounis, R., Schrooten, M.G.S., Crombez, G. et al. Operant Learning Theory in Pain and Chronic Pain Rehabilitation. Curr Pain Headache Rep 16, 117–126 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-012-0247-1

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