pain

Much of the behavior of chronic pain sufferers happens in social contexts where social influences can play a role in their suffering and disability. Researchers have investigated relations of social responses with verbal and overt pain behavior and, more recently, with patient thinking, such as catastrophizing. There has not yet been a study of social influences on patient acceptance of chronic pain.

Much of the behavior of chronic pain sufferers happens in social contexts where social influences can play a role in their suffering and disability. Researchers have investigated relations of social responses with verbal and overt pain behavior and, more recently, with patient thinking, such as catastrophizing. There has not yet been a study of social influences on patient acceptance of chronic pain.

Clinical experience and research show that patients with chronic pain who have a more accepting attitude about their pain experience less distress and function better as compared to those with chronic pain who do not have this attitude. Because this idea has only recently received some empirical scrutiny, the meaning of acceptance and methods for assessing it in relation to chronic pain have not been firmly established.

Clinical experience and research show that patients with chronic pain who have a more accepting attitude about their pain experience less distress and function better as compared to those with chronic pain who do not have this attitude. Because this idea has only recently received some empirical scrutiny, the meaning of acceptance and methods for assessing it in relation to chronic pain have not been firmly established.

The concept of acceptance is receiving increased attention as an alternate approach to the suffering that is often associated with persistent and disabling pain. This approach differs from established treatments in that it does not principally focus on reducing pain, but on reducing the distressing and disabling influences of pain as they concern important areas in patients’ lives.

The concept of acceptance is receiving increased attention as an alternate approach to the suffering that is often associated with persistent and disabling pain. This approach differs from established treatments in that it does not principally focus on reducing pain, but on reducing the distressing and disabling influences of pain as they concern important areas in patients’ lives.

The experience of chronic pain can be associated with significant distress and disability, although this is not always the case. While attempts to control or reduce pain can be helpful for many pain sufferers, on some occasions this is not an effective option and a different response is required. This different response can include a flexible mix of control and acceptance.

Objective: Acceptance of pain and values-based action appear important in the emotional, physical, and social functioning of individuals with chronic pain. The purpose of the current study was to prospectively investigate these combined processes.

Method: One hundred fifteen patients attending an assessment and treatment course for chronic pain in the UK completed a standard set of measures on two occasions separated by an average of 18.5 weeks.