identifies treatment beliefs and behaviour as important factors to the development of chronic pain. This section of the theory contains a cyclical treatment process. It is influenced by the background/vulnerability factors, particularly attachment style. If acute pain persists for at least six months, the individuals enter the chronic pain section of this theory. This is again a cyclical management process, primarily driven by the individuals' implicit theories about pain management, which were found to be influenced by the core category of attachment style. The concepts identified in this data-driven theory of the development and maintenance of chronic pain and disability are discussed in relation to the current literature. This includes chronic pain and health-related literature, existing chronic pain theories, and where applicable, general literature in the concept areas. Limitations of the study, directions for future research, and clinical implications are then presented.