Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Can Pain Be Understood by Words? – A Literature Review of Pain-Language Association

Yanjie JinKingston University London *

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This review systematically explores the complicated interplay between pain and language, including nociceptive pain and empathic pain. While previous study focusing on physiological aspects of pain, this paper addressed how linguistics influence pain communication and perception. The finding reveals that language can influence bother subjective pain and the pain when we observe others. It is notable that the use of specific pain descriptors and metaphors significantly impacts individuals' pain perception and linguistic context can influence people’s nociceptive pain experience. For empathic pain, there are similar brain activations when communicating with people who are suffering from pain. Besides, there is evidence that communication and interactions can benefit painful patients and reduce pain. To conclude, this paper empathizes the vital role language plays in individual’s own pain experience and feeling others’ pain. Future studies should aim to have standardized tools and frameworks for studying the linguistic aspect of pain, especially in the social inter-brain context, which is vital for understanding and communicating pain. Addressing the linguistic dimension of pain can help with pain assessment and management, leading to better patient care.

Keywords: Neurolinguistics; Multidimensional pain; Pain-related words; Empathic pain; Communication
Published: August 27, 2024
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/40/20242210
Volume: CHR Vol.40
pp. 36-43
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