The Pain and Transdiagnostic Health (PATH) Lab is housed in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the multifaceted nature of chronic pain. Guided by a biopsychosocial framework, our research examines how biological, psychological, and social processes interact to influence the development and maintenance of chronic pain.
A central focus of the PATH Lab is exploring the relationships between pain and commonly co-occurring conditions such as insomnia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We are particularly interested in how these comorbidities may exacerbate pain or interfere with recovery, and how targeting these interrelated conditions may lead to more effective interventions.
Our work also emphasizes the role of social context—including factors such as social support, stigma, and adverse life experiences—in shaping how individuals experience and cope with pain. We use a range of methodological approaches, including experimental paradigms, longitudinal designs, and psychophysiological assessments (i.e., Quantitative Sensory Testing), to better capture the dynamic nature of pain and its correlates.
To learn more about our team and how to get involved, please explore the tabs above.