Psychological differentiation and the phenomenon of pain

This article deals with a theory of psychological differentiation, research supporting this theory and identified indicators of differentiation, and studies that connect several of these indicators with the phenomenon of pain. Problems for investigation are posed concerning the relationships between differentiation indicators and pain threshold, pain tolerance, relief measures, attention to pain, control, and counterirritation An understanding of the kinds of variables affecting the pain experience can lead to a clearer perception and more astute evaluation of that experience and a more organized approach to the implementation of nursing care.