When, how, and why do we express pain?

Abstract

The experience of pain is typically accompanied by various verbal and nonverbal behavioral expressions that help to inform our social environment about our pain. These expressions range from verbal reports (e.g., “I feel pain in my shoulder that is quite strong”) to nonverbal expressions, like moaning and facial grimacing. Depending on the situational context, however, as well as on previous learning experiences, personality traits and our affective state, the way we express pain can vary substantially. In the present chapter we give an in-depth overview of the complex psychosocial factors that affect when, how and why we express pain.