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Facial expression of pain: “Just So Stories,” spandrels, and patient blaming

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 August 2003

Patrick J. McGrath
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 4J1, [email protected] www.pediatric-pain.ca

Abstract

Facial responses to pain might be the result of evolution but Williams' interesting “Just So” story provides no convincing evidence for her hypothesis. Contrary to her hope, casting facial action in an evolutionary perspective will probably not reduce the common practice of health care professionals blaming patients for their problems; instead, it may discourage appropriate treatment.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 2002 Cambridge University Press

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