Chapter
The Challenge of Measuring Emotional Pain
29:24 - 36:08 (06:44)
Current mental pain scales do not provide an accurate measurement of emotional pain, as pointed out by a review published in the British Medical Journal in 2022. Emotional distress caused by heartbreak, rejection or loss can lead to physical symptoms, as demonstrated by the release of cortisol in the body, and while attempts have been made to develop a mental pain scale, they have not been widely accepted as valid.
Clips
The subjective nature of pain, both physical and emotional, makes the opioid epidemic a complex problem.
29:24 - 32:34 (03:10)
Summary
The subjective nature of pain, both physical and emotional, makes the opioid epidemic a complex problem. While some people medicate for real physical maladies, others are seeking emotional relief that opioids provide.
ChapterThe Challenge of Measuring Emotional Pain
EpisodeMust We Suffer Emotional Pain?
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Various attempts have been made to develop scales for measuring emotional pain, but according to a review of 10 major scales published in the British Medical Journal, none are sufficiently valid.
32:34 - 36:08 (03:34)
Summary
Various attempts have been made to develop scales for measuring emotional pain, but according to a review of 10 major scales published in the British Medical Journal, none are sufficiently valid. While emotional pain is difficult to quantify, stress triggered by mental pain can cause physical symptoms such as sleep problems, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system.