Psychological pain in depressive disorder: A concept analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Psychological pain is prevalent in depressive disorder and linked to suicide.
• Current definitions are broad and do not capture its unique nature in depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely define the concept of psychological pain in depressive disorder.
• To establish a conceptual framework for understanding psychological pain in depression.

Main Methods:

• Concept analysis using Rodgers' evolutionary approach.
• Systematic literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Sinomed, CNKI, Wanfang).
• Inclusion of 49 relevant articles.

Main Results:

• Key attributes: negative affect, passive cognition, ineffective response, extreme behavior, state/trait characteristics.
• Antecedents: stressful events, unmet needs, disease, physical factors, cognitive biases.
• Consequences: personal growth, meaning, low quality of life, treatment barriers, morbidity, self-harm, suicide.

Conclusions:

• Psychological pain is a complex, intense affective experience of suffering due to negative self-perception and coping.
• It presents as immediate reactions to stress and persistent emotional traits.
• A conceptual framework aids clinicians in distinguishing psychological pain and developing targeted interventions, potentially focusing on positive emotions.