Pain in the cultural context

Pain and culture are complex and multifactorial phenomena. The concepts are difficult to define and measure since they intersect with the biological, psychological, and social realms. Considering the intrinsic multidimensionality of each phenomenon, we are only beginning to understand the myriad ways in which culture may influence pain. Consequently, (1) the study of the relationship between culture and pain has been fraught with methodological and theoretical challenges; and (2) there is little evidence to support specific guidelines on how to assess and treat pain of specific cultural groups. Therefore, researchers face challenges in conducting research on pain with indigenous populations.