This article provides an overview of psychosocial approaches to assessing f
actors relevant to the understanding and management of arthritis pain. The
article is divided into two major sections. Section one provides a conceptu
al background that highlights the role that psychosocial factors play in th
e gain experience. Section two briefly describes and evaluates methods used
to assess psychological factors (e.g., pain behavior, pain coping, and sel
f-efficacy) and social factors (e.g., social support, marital adjustment) t
hat can affect adjustment to persistent pain.