Coping with chronic pain: Assessing narrative approaches

Author(s): Clifford, P.

Journal/Book: Soc Work. 1997; 42: 750 First St, NE, Ste 700, Washington, DC 20002-4241. Natl Assoc Social Workers. 266-277.

Abstract: Individuals suffering from chronic pain are of concern to social workers because such pain disrupts job, family, and overall social functioning and can lead to depression, excessive health concerns, and withdrawal from activities. This article discusses a project developed to gain understanding of the experiences of people suffering from fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition with no visible symptoms, and to test the use of narrative approaches in group work with this population. The study used a qualitative, ethnographic approach as the primary method and also used some quantitative measures to assess the usefulness of the approach. Both qualitative and quantitative findings suggest that narrative approaches helped participants find their own strengths and means of coping and helped them find identities other than as patients.

Note: Article Kelley P, Univ Iowa, Sch Social Work, 308 N Hall, Iowa City,IA 52242 USA

Keyword(s): chronic pain; coping; fibromyalgia; group work; narratives; HEALTH ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE; FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME; ARTHRITIS; ILLNESS

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