This volume investigates the clinical necessity of employing diverse, multi-modal assessment strategies to accurately evaluate the complex experience of chronic pain. Authors Mark P. Jensen and Paul Karoly, both established researchers in the field of pain psychology, synthesize existing clinical data to argue that single-measure assessments are insufficient for capturing the multidimensional nature of pain. They provide a structured framework for practitioners to integrate self-report, behavioral observation, and physiological data into a cohesive diagnostic picture. The text serves as a technical guide for clinicians seeking to improve the precision of their treatment planning and outcome monitoring.

The subject matter points to a dense, specialist text intended for clinical psychologists and pain management practitioners. The framing suggests a foundational approach to assessment that remains relevant for those establishing rigorous, evidence-based diagnostic procedures in a clinical setting.