Abstract
In all approaches to the study of human behavior, the elements of theory, methodology, and research activity are fundamentally interrelated. Theory gives order and insight to the research activity, while methodology leads to different features of this reality. Methodology forms a framework within which the answers to a research question are elicited. However, the methodology selected offers not only certain advantages but also limitations. This paper will address some of the methodological issues that arise when studying the effects of noninvasive techniques for the relief of acute surgical pain. Noninvasive techniques used in the clinical setting include cognitive distraction, relaxation, and imagery.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Beecher HK (1959) Measurement of subjective response. Oxford University Press, New York, p 162
Egbert LD, Battit GE, Welch CE, Bartlett MK (1964) Reduction of postoperative pain by encouragement and instructions of patients. N Engl J Med 270: 825–827
Flaherty GG, Fitzpatrick JJ (1978) Relaxation technique to increase comfort level of postoperative patients. Nurs Res 27: 352–355
Janis IL (1958) Psychological stress. Wiley, New York, p 367
Johnson JE (1972) Effects of structuring patients’ expectations on their reactions to threatening events. Nurs Res 21: 499–504
Langer EJ, Janis IL, Wolfer JA (1975) Reduction of psychological stress in surgical patients. J Exp Soc Psychol 11: 155–165
Melzack R (1975) The McGill pain questionnaire. Pain 1: 277–299
Melzack R, Wall PD (1982) The challenge of pain. Penguin Books, New York, p 402, 70–71
Mogan J, Wells N, Robertson E (in press) Can relaxation reduce postoperative pain?
Pickett C, Clum GA (1982) Comparative treatment strategies and their interaction with locus of control in the reduction of postsurgical pain and anxiety. J Consult Clin Psychol 50: 439–444
Scott LE, Clum GA, Peoples JB (1983) Preoperative predictors of postoperative pain. Pain 15: 283–293
Tamsen A, Sakurado T, Wahlstrom A, Terenius L, HartvigP (1982) Postoperative demands for analgesics in relation to individual levels of endorphins and substance P in cerebrospinal fluid. Pain 13: 171–183
Wells N (1982) The effect of relaxation on postoperative muscle tension and pain. Nurs Res 31: 235–238
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1984 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Wells, N. (1984). Methodological Considerations in the Study of Clinical Pain. In: van Eimeren, W., Engelbrecht, R., Flagle, C.D. (eds) Third International Conference on System Science in Health Care. Health Systems Research. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69939-9_260
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69939-9_260
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-69941-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-69939-9
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive