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Gate Control Theory

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Gate Control Theory is a theory in psychology that explains how the brain regulates and modulates the perception of pain. It suggests that there is a "gate" in the spinal cord that can either open or close to allow or block pain signals from reaching the brain.

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