Uncovering and Resolving Social Conflicts Contributing to Chronic Pain: Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy

Abstract

Chronic pain is pain experienced on most days for three months or more. It is one of the most frequent patient reported problems. It can be a primary or a secondary symptom. A number of psychological factors predict the development and impact of chronic pain. Adverse social experiences as well as stressful conflictual interpersonal interactions can precipitate and exacerbate chronic pain. Emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) is an approach to addressing interpersonal and emotional conflict with patients with chronic pain. The core principles of EAET and the life stress interview protocol are described and illustrated. Keywords Chronic pain. Psychosocial stressors. Adverse childhood experiences. Social conflict. Treatment of pain. Emotional awareness. Emotional expression Clinical Vignette 1 "Patrick" is not a specific patient but represents a patient with a history we commonly see.

Comparing the effects of multimedia and face-to-face pain management education on pain intensity and pain catastrophizing among patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial

“…Besides pain catastrophizing, factors such as stress, anger, poor communication skills, and limited assertiveness can affect pain intensity among patients with chronic conditions. For example, a study found stress, social conflicts, and non-assertive relationships as aggravating factors of chronic pain [ 8 ]. Studies into occupational therapy for chronic pain also emphasize that patients with limited problem solving, communication, and assertiveness skills may have problems in pain management [ 9 ].…”

Effect of a multimedia training programme for pain management on pain intensity and depression in patients with non-specific chronic back pain

“…communication skills, assertiveness, stress management, lifestyle enhancement skills and physical activity. ( 19 ) Educational materials for topics were prepared as PowerPoint presentation slides in Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) format, then scenarios and audio explanations about educational materials were added to each slide. Accordingly, seven sets of educational materials were prepared in seven CDs for seven educational sessions.…”