PRESENTATION

The social environment and its influence on adjustment to chronic pain.

While the biopsychosocial model has been widely accepted in mainstream healthcare, and chronic pain management in particular, the focus is rarely on the social elements of the model. However, there is an extensive scientific literature which demonstrates the importance of the social environment in influencing the response to injury, management of the acute pain phase, and finally coping with a chronic condition. This presentation will cover the key findings from this literature, with a particular focus on the role of the partner in the adjustment process. Options for accessing social support for those living with chronic pain will also be discussed.

About the Presenter

Toby Newton-John is currently a Professor of Clinical Psychology, and Head of the Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney. He completed training in Clinical Psychology in Sydney, Australia before completing a PhD at Kings College, London UK. He worked in a variety of chronic pain service settings (inpatient hospital, outpatients, private practice) for over 20 years prior to entering academia. He has published over 90 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has co-edited 2 major textbooks, predominantly in the area of the psychology of chronic physical illness. His research is cited 98% more often than the global average in his field (FWCI 1.98, 2018-22, SciVal 2/2024). He is a Chief Investigator on research grants totalling more than $9.6 million since 2020, and has supervised 9 PhD students to completion. Toby continues to practice as a Clinical Psychologist and has a very part time clinical role at Northern Pain Centre in Sydney, Australia.

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