Coping with Pain

  • Laura Nabors
Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Springer Series on Child and Family Studies book series (SSCFS)

Abstract

Pain in children is, in part, a subjective experience, yet the experience of pain is very real for children and may be underdiagnosed. This chapter reviews a definition of pain and what it means for children. In addition, critical information on pain management strategies for young children is reviewed. An explanation for the transmission of pain signals in the body that is developmentally appropriate to explain pain transmission to children is presented. Ideas for assessing whether children are in pain and the degree to which they feel pain are reviewed and roles for parents in the management of their child’s pain are described. Key research on pain management strategies, such as relaxation, imagery, and distraction also is presented. The goal of this chapter is to acquaint the reader with ways in which children experience pain and ways to play a key role in helping children cope with their pain experiences. To this end, ideas for working with children to help them minimize their experiences of pain are a focus of information in this chapter.

Keywords

Pain Pain management strategies Relaxation Imagery Distraction Pain management education Transmission of pain in children Factors impacting children’s pain experiences 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  • Laura Nabors
    • 1
  1. 1.School of Human ServicesUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiUSA

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