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How can we learn to live with pain? A Q-methodological analysis of the diverse understandings of acceptance of chronic pain

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  • Risdon, Andrea
  • Eccleston, Chris
  • Crombez, Geert
  • McCracken, Lance

Abstract

An analysis is reported of the variety of understandings available in British culture to understand acceptance of chronic pain. Q-factor analysis is used within a critical framework as Q-methodology. Thirty participants completed the procedure. Eight factors or accounts of accepting chronic pain were derived. These are reported as taking control, living day to day, acknowledging limitations, empowerment, accepting loss of self, more to life than pain, don't fight battles that cannot be won, and spiritual strength. Common features of accepting chronic pain are (1) the acknowledgement that a cure for pain is unlikely, (2) a shift of focus away from pain to non-pain aspects of life, and (3) a resistance to any suggestion that pain is a sign of personal weakness. Where accounts of chronic pain differ is in the extent to which acceptance of pain means a change in core aspects of self. Implications of this study for the study of chronic pain are discussed. In particular, how identity is managed in the context of threatening chronic pain is suggested as a fruitful area of future investigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Risdon, Andrea & Eccleston, Chris & Crombez, Geert & McCracken, Lance, 2003. "How can we learn to live with pain? A Q-methodological analysis of the diverse understandings of acceptance of chronic pain," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(2), pages 375-386, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:56:y:2003:i:2:p:375-386
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    Cited by:

    1. Exel, Job van & Graaf, Gjalt de & Brouwer, Werner, 2007. "Care for a break? An investigation of informal caregivers' attitudes toward respite care using Q-methodology," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(2-3), pages 332-342, October.
    2. N. Exel & G. Graaf & P. Rietveld, 2011. "“I can do perfectly well without a car!”," Transportation, Springer, vol. 38(3), pages 383-407, May.
    3. Miles, A. & Curran, H.V. & Pearce, S. & Allan, L., 2005. "Managing constraint: the experience of people with chronic pain," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(2), pages 431-441, July.
    4. van Exel, Job & de Graaf, Gjalt & Brouwer, Werner, 2008. "Give me a break!: Informal caregiver attitudes towards respite care," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(1), pages 73-87, October.
    5. van Exel, Job & Baker, Rachel & Mason, Helen & Donaldson, Cam & Brouwer, Werner, 2015. "Public views on principles for health care priority setting: Findings of a European cross-country study using Q methodology," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 128-137.
    6. Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. & Ali, Saleem H., 2016. "Mineral resources and localised development: Q-methodology for rapid assessment of socioeconomic impacts in Rwanda," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 1-11.
    7. Daphne Truijens & Job van Exel, 2019. "Views on deceased organ donation in the Netherlands: A q-methodology study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(5), pages 1-15, May.
    8. Jeffrey E Black & Kathrin Kopke & Cathal O’Mahony, 2019. "Towards a Circular Economy: Using Stakeholder Subjectivity to Identify Priorities, Consensus, and Conflict in the Irish EPS/XPS Market," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-20, December.
    9. Baker, Rachel Mairi, 2006. "Economic rationality and health and lifestyle choices for people with diabetes," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(9), pages 2341-2353, November.
    10. Hunter, William Cannon, 2011. "Rukai indigenous tourism: Representations, cultural identity and Q method," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 335-348.
    11. Allan Guzman & Kreziah Silva & Julienne Silvestre & Jenika Simbillo & Jan Simpauco & Reuben Sinugbuhan & Donna Sison & Marielle Siy, 2012. "For your Eyes Only: A Q-Methodology on the Ontology of Happiness Among Chronically Ill Filipino Elderly in a Penal Institution," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 13(5), pages 913-930, October.
    12. van Exel, N.J.A. & de Graaf, G. & Brouwer, W.B.F., 2006. ""Everyone dies, so you might as well have fun!" Attitudes of Dutch youths about their health lifestyle," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(10), pages 2628-2639, November.

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    Keywords

    Pain Acceptance Q-methodology;

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