Perceived family dynamics of persons with chronic pain

Abstract

This qualitative study was conducted to gain an understanding of the experiences of persons with chronic pain and their relationships with family members and the family as a whole. The framework of systemic organization was used to define the areas of investigation guiding the formulation of broad questions relative to family functioning. Thirty persons with chronic pain (age 31-82 years, 73% women, 83% married, 83% European-American, 17% African-American) participated in the study. A semi-structured interview was conducted to elicit narrative descriptions of the participants' perspective of the pain experience and family functioning. The data were analysed using a constant comparison method of analysis described by Strauss. The dominant themes that emerged included: (i) emotional distress, (ii) distancing from family members, (iii) inability to share difficult feelings, (iv) intense mutual involvement with family members and identification with others' problems, (v) family isolation from community, and (vi) attempt at healing. A mid-range theory developed out of the data and explicated with the framework of systemic organization, was one of balancing and counterbalancing connectedness (spirituality) with personal autonomy or separateness (control) in order to find congruence for the family and individuals within. The pain sometimes acted as a mechanism regulating the distance and closeness among family members. Based on this information, nurses can facilitate better understanding among family members, encourage autonomy, assist individuals to express feelings and needs more directly, and facilitate members to respond to each other.

The stigmatisation of people with chronic back pain

“…In both cases, the wives expressed disbelief that their husband's response to pain was legitimate. This may have been precipitated by the continuing burden of social limitation and isolation imposed by the pain [47, 48,49] or by the inability to tolerate stigma by association [50], but confirms Roy's [51] observation that chronic pain extracts a heavy price on spouses. This includes social isolation, role tension, marital conflict and reduced sexual activity, leading to anger, resentment, anxiety and despondency among family members [52].…”

Perceived Early Childhood Family Influence, Perceived Pain Self-Efficacy, and Chronic Pain Disability: An Exploratory Study

“…Families with an adult member who experiences chronic pain are less cohesive, are more prone to internal conflict, and experience more marital distress than families with healthy adult members (Cano et al, 2005;Smith & Friedemann, 1999;Snelling, 1990).…”

Relationships in pain: The experience of relationships to people living with chronic pain in rural areas

“…Smith and Friedemann found that the impact of chronic pain on family relationships led to emotional distress, distancing from family members, inability to share difficult feelings, intense mutual involvement with family and identification with others' problems, and family isolation from the community. 12 Family dynamics are thus altered by the experience of chronic pain. Given the relative isolation of rural dwellers from health services where support would normally be found for people living with chronic pain and because little is currently known about the relationships of rural dwellers experiencing chronic pain, the current study was conceived.…”