A Qualitative Exploration of Resilience among Patients Living with Chronic Pain

An estimated 100 million Americans are living with chronic pain. The majority of the chronic pain literature focuses on the biological impact of the condition and very little attention is given to patients' lived experience with chronic pain and the enactment of their resiliency. Yet, resiliency may play a critical role in patients' experience of pain intensity as well as self-efficacy to manage their pain. The main objective of this study was to explore the origin and enactment of resiliency across a sample of 12 chronic pain patients. In-depth phone interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results indicate that patients exhibited resiliency in four ways: (1) developing a sense of control - independently seeking information and cross-checking this information with their doctors' recommendations (2) active engagement in medical and complementary treatment; (3) establishing social connections; and (4) exhibiting pain acceptance and positive affect. This study lays the foundation to explore whether resiliency improves clinical outcomes among patients living with chronic pain. The findings support the need for clinicians to evaluate and treat chronic pain patients through the lens of resiliency.