Psychic Pain: A Review
Introduction
Psychic pain is a type of pain that has no physical cause and is experienced in the mind and emotions. It is a type of pain that is often felt as a result of psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. It can also be related to a psychological conflict, such as a fear of abandonment or self-doubt. Psychic pain can manifest in a variety of different ways, including physical symptoms, mental anguish, and emotional distress. It is important to understand the psychological mechanisms underlying psychic pain in order to effectively treat it.
Theoretical Framework
Psychic pain is thought to be a result of psychological distress or a psychological conflict. Cognitive-behavioral theorists propose that psychic pain is the result of a maladaptive belief system that has been acquired through experiences with difficult situations or relationships (Beck, 2011). These maladaptive beliefs can lead to feelings of distress and pain, as well as the avoidance of certain activities or situations. Traumatic events can also lead to the development of psychic pain, as the individual may feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with the trauma (Kessler et al., 1995).
Research Findings
Research has consistently shown that individuals who experience psychic pain are more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues (Facco et al., 2015). Furthermore, individuals with psychic pain are more likely to report higher levels of stress, lower self-esteem, and poorer coping skills (Miles et al., 2014). Other studies have found that individuals with psychic pain are more likely to engage in destructive behaviors, such as self-harm or drug use (Chu et al., 2010).
Conclusion
Psychic pain is a type of psychological pain that has no physical cause. It is often the result of psychological distress or a psychological conflict, and can manifest in a variety of different ways, including physical symptoms, mental anguish, and emotional distress. Research has consistently shown that individuals who experience psychic pain are more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues. Furthermore, individuals with psychic pain are more likely to report higher levels of stress, lower self-esteem, and poorer coping skills. In order to effectively treat psychic pain, it is important to understand the psychological mechanisms underlying it.
References
Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression. New York: Guilford Press.
Chu, C., Liu, Y., & Liu, Y. (2010). The effect of psychic pain on self-destructive behaviors. Psychiatry Research, 177(3), 305–311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2009.04.008
Facco, E., Favretto, G., & Zorzi, S. (2015). Psychic pain and psychological distress: A systematic review. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 58, 49–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.12.009
Kessler, R. C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., & Nelson, C. B. (1995). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52(12), 1048–1060. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1995.03950240066012
Miles, J., Berenbaum, H., & Stein, M. B. (2014). Psychic pain and psychological distress: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 34(3), 229–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2014.02.001