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Exploring the relationship between spirituality, coping, and pain
Amy B Wachholtz1, Michelle J Pearce, Harold Koenig
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. Amy.wachholtz@duke.edu
Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|June 2, 2007
Summary
Persistent pain is complex, involving biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. Religion and spirituality can significantly impact how individuals cope with chronic pain, influencing the effectiveness of their strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pain research
- Psychology of religion
- Sociology of health
Background:
- Persistent pain is recognized as a multidimensional experience.
- Chronic pain patients employ various coping strategies, including religious/spiritual ones.
- Understanding the role of faith in pain management is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between pain experience and religion/spirituality.
- To understand why individuals rely on faith for pain coping.
- To examine how religion/spirituality impacts pain and coping.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Exploration of cognitive and behavioral coping mechanisms.
- Analysis of qualitative and quantitative studies on faith and pain.
Main Results:
- Religion/spirituality serves as a significant coping resource for many chronic pain sufferers.
- Faith-based coping can influence pain perception and management effectiveness.
- The impact of religion/spirituality on pain is multifaceted, potentially aiding or hindering coping.
Conclusions:
- Religion/spirituality plays a complex role in the chronic pain experience.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of faith-based pain coping.
- Identifying future research priorities is essential for advancing this field.
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