Psychosocial factors and risk of pain and disability.

This article reviews the research on the risk of pain and disability due to psychosocial variables. Variables such as general distress, psychopathology, depression, abuse, and catastrophizing are discussed in relation to the risk of disability. Ways to conceptualize the complex relationships among pain, disability, and several psychosocial variables are also explored. In addition, the identification of adaptive and of protective ways to manage pain and decrease the risk of disability is highlighted. Finally, the authors recommend areas for future research.