Exploring the breadth of personal strengths used to overcome pain: A qualitative study of people living well with pain and people recovered from pain.

BACKGROUND

Understanding factors protective against musculoskeletal pain is key to strengths-based pain care. Protective factors have received limited examination and appear dominated by psychosocial factors. Exploration of factors influencing recovery from pain appears lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the breadth of protective factors via lived experiences of people living well with pain and people recovered from pain.

DESIGN

Qualitative study.

METHOD: Participants self-identifying as living well with pain, or recoverees, completed semi-structured interviews (online/face-to-face) driven by indicative questions regarding protective factors. Reflexive thematic analysis derived themes/subthemes reviewed by the research team and consumers.

RESULTS

Twelve people (four recoverees) participated. The "Allure of the deficits model" highlighted the need to acknowledge deficits in people with pain as strengths-based care may expected. The second theme captured strengths positively influencing physical activity including long-term habitual engagement, psychological protective effects and accepting gradual return to previous function. The importance of valued activities bringing "Flow and enjoyment" were captured in theme three. "Committed action" revealed a commitment mindset driven by personal goals. Theme five highlighted psychological factors including acceptance, flexibility, mindfulness, positive pain-related cognitions, and spirituality. Diet and sleep were "Positive lifestyle factors". Theme seven explored protective social connections and economic resources including family and community support.

CONCLUSIONS

A broad range of multidimensional factors were perceived as protective. Two themes - proactive and disciplined approach to physical activity and exercise, positive lifestyle factors - may facilitate broader multidimensional strengths-based approaches to pain. Experiences of recoverees are highlighted for consideration in future research.