Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
Why does your pain never get better? Stigma and coping mechanism in people with sickle cell disease
Evanilda Souza de Santana Carvalho1, Jayanne Moreira Carneiro1, Aline Silva Gomes1
1Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana. Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil.
Objectives:
to analyze the characteristics of stigma in the interactions of people with pain and sickle cell disease and the coping strategies adopted.
Methods:
qualitative study, conducted in Bahia's reference units between January and July 2018. In-depth interviews were applied to 25 adults, followed by content analysis and interpretation in light of the Sociological Theory of Stigma.
Results:
four categories emerged from the data: Stigma in interactions with family members; Stigma in interactions with people in the general public; Stigma in interactions with health workers; and Strategies for coping with stigma.
Final Considerations:
in the participants' interactions, stigma produced discrediting pain reports, labeling and stereotyping, blaming patients for not improving their health, discrimination, racism, inadequate pain assessment, and delay in care. Coping included silencing, covering up, aggressive behavior, exposure to risk, reading religious texts and praises, and church attendance.
Related Concept Videos
Nociception
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Analgesia and Pain Management
Pain

