Pain and Perception: A closer look at why we hurt

by Daniel S. Harvie, G. Lorimer Moseley

This book is not just for understanding pain and perception. It does more than just distil immensely complicated science into a delightfully fun and thought-provoking book. It facilitates a greater sense of empathy for those who experience pain or anyone who just cannot see/experience the world the way you do. This is a book for absolutely anyone and everyone.

What can illusions teach us about pain? Is what we see, hear, and feel as simple as it appears to be? The modern science of perception has unearthed new ways to think about pain – as a multi-sensory and multi-factorial phenomenon. Leading pain researchers, Dan Harvie and Lorimer Moseley, walk us through this science by interacting with illusions that challenge our assumptions on how perception actually works. A visually stunning, fun and accessible read to help anyone better understand and respond to pain.

Here is what you can expect to learn:

What illusions tell us about our perceptions
Pain and perception are personal, but always real
Perception involves assumptions to fill gaps
Pain and perception depend on everything going on in and around you
With pain and perception, what you get is influenced by what you expect to get
Changing our perspective can change our perceptions

Genres: Nonfiction

44 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Willem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful pain education resource

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet, filled with really great images that can help you play with the idea of perception and how it applies to pain. Great for patients and clinicians and your coffee table.