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Chronic pain and occupation: an exploration of the lived experience
Grace S Fisher1, Linda Emerson, Camille Firpo
1Occupational Therapy Department, College Misericordia, 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612, USA. gfisher@misericordia.edu
Objective:
There is limited research on the relationship between chronic pain and occupation. This phenomenological research study explored the lived occupational experiences of people who have chronic pain.
Method:
Via demographic questionnaires, semistructured interviews, and field notes, data were collected on 13 participants with various types of pain.
Results:
Thematic analysis yielded one main theme: "Chronic Pain Is Life Changing." The following subthemes also emerged: "Chronic Pain Triggers Emotional Distress"; "Chronic Pain Reveals the Strength of Relationships"; "Chronic Pain and Occupation Are Reciprocally Related Forces"; and "Chronic Pain Elicits Innovative Adaptive Responses." Study participants reported experiencing myriad troubling emotions; however, they resourcefully modified their routines and tasks and found enhanced meaning in favored occupations.
Conclusions:
This study illuminates the importance of therapeutic listening, the innovativeness of people who have chronic pain, and the possible therapeutic potential of occupation.
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