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The Association Between Partner Reactions to Chronic Pain and Pain-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review
G F Donohue1, P J Meredith1,2, J Strong1
1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|March 7, 2026
Summary
Partner reactions significantly influence chronic pain outcomes. Solicitous or punishing responses worsen pain, while empathy and autonomy support improve it, suggesting a need for partner-inclusive interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology of Pain
- Social Determinants of Health
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Social context, particularly partner relationships, impacts chronic pain experience.
- Partner reactions to chronic pain behaviors are crucial for pain outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and integrate evidence on the link between partner responses and pain-related outcomes.
- To analyze how different types of partner reactions affect individuals with chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across five major databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE).
- Inclusion criteria: English studies, adults (>18) with persistent pain (>3 months) in a relationship, measures of partner response and pain outcomes.
- Analysis of 63 studies examining the relationship between partner response and pain-related outcomes.
Main Results:
- Solicitous and punishing partner responses are associated with negative pain-related outcomes (e.g., increased disability, pain severity).
- Only seven studies reported positive associations, specifically those focusing on emphatic responses or partner autonomy support.
- Evidence indicates a clear link between partner behaviors and patient well-being in chronic pain.
Conclusions:
- Partner responses play a significant role in the chronic pain experience and related outcomes.
- Improving partner understanding of pain and their capacity for constructive responses is vital.
- Clinical interventions should involve partners, promoting empathy and autonomy support for individuals with persistent pain.
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