Papers of the Week

The Award for Distinguished Scientific Applications of Psychology is presented to a person who, in the opinion of the Committee on Scientific Awards, has made distinguished theoretical or empirical advances leading to the understanding or amelioration of important practical problems. The 2024 recipients of the APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Awards were recognized by the 2023 Board of Scientific Affairs and selected by the 2023 Committee on Scientific Awards. For outstanding research applying psychological theory and principles to advance the management of chronic pain. Francis J. Keefe’s groundbreaking research integrated behavioral and cognitive factors into pain assessment and treatment. He established and validated methods for quantifying observable behaviors exhibited by people experiencing chronic pain and for assessing multiple cognitive and behavioral strategies that people use to cope with their pain. He then validated and rigorously tested innovative cognitive behavioral interventions for pain, which proved efficacious and became a cornerstone of effective pain management. His research has produced a sustained and transformative impact on how we conceptualize and treat chronic pain. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).