Experiences of Chronic Pain

Baldwin, Oliver and Murray, Craig (2024) Experiences of Chronic Pain. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This thesis is interested in the experience of chronic pain. Given the number of psychological difficulties that chronic pain individuals experience, the topic is of relevance to clinical psychology. The thesis begins with a systematic literature review on the impact of COVID-related restrictions on individuals with chronic pain. Thomas & Harden’s (2008) thematic synthesis was used to review the studies identified. Findings suggest that for some, the experience of chronic pain is itself a form of lockdown, illustrating the poorer quality of life experienced by these individuals. A key predictor in successfully adapting to times of crisis was found to be having prior knowledge of (and access to) coping strategies. Clinical implications suggest services must review their pathway for digital healthcare, given this review highlighted high levels of healthcare inequality during the pandemic. The empirical paper explored the experience of fibromyalgia in young men. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to evaluate the interview transcripts of seven participants. Four themes emerged: (i) You’re not believed as a young man; (ii) We’re alone and abandoned; (iii) Aging before your time; (iv) I can’t be who I want to be. Findings suggest age is a factor in how fibromyalgia is perceived and that developing it while younger appears to make accepting the condition harder. A sense of abandonment was also felt by participants, meaning that relational forms of therapy, such as Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), could help to address the relationship between patients and healthcare services and the pain itself. The critical appraisal details my reflections on practical and ethical issues encountered during the research process and key methodological issues and personal reflections of the research process are described.