Question

Consider the gate control theory of pain in relation to the reading by Ressler et al. (2012) on the positive effects of blogging about chronic pain and illness.

Answer 1

Answer:

In order to explain why our mental states impact pain perceptions, researchers Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall proposed what is known as gate control theory during the early 1960s. This theory suggests that the spinal cord contains a neurological "gate" that either blocks pain signals or allows them to continue on to the brain.

Explanation:

Researchers have long observed that factors such as thoughts, emotions, and expectations can influence our perceptions of pain. If you expect something to hurt, it probably will hurt worse. If you are upset or frightened, pain may seem more intense than it would if you were calm.