Pediatric pain: the parents' role.

As the child's primary caretaker, the parents' role in the management of pediatric pain is one of a priori significance, although it has not been studied in a systematic manner. This article considers several domains in which the parent may influence the onset and course of pediatric pain problems, as well as ways in which the parent may assist in pain assessment and management. The parents' role in the etiology and maintenance of children's pain complaints is discussed in the context of psychosomatic and behavioral theories. The parents' role in pediatric pain management is considered in terms of the interactive effects of parent and child distress, and avenues for direct parental intervention. It is concluded that the parent can be a helpful agent to the pediatrician in treating children's pain problems, while enhancing the parents' feelings of usefulness and competency in the process.