A strengths-based approach to chronic pain. Issue 3 (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Graziosi, Marianna; Yaden, David B.; Clifton, Jeremy D. W.; Mikanik, Nicole; Niemiec, Ryan M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of positive psychology. Volume 17:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 400
• Page End: 408
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: Character strengths -- chronic pain -- pain self-efficacy -- strength-based approach; Positive psychology -- Periodicals; Quality of life -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Happiness -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 158
• DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2020.1858337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9760

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Nonpharmacological approaches to chronic pain are being increasingly sought out by therapists and health-care providers. Cognitive approaches to reduce pain catastrophizing have shown some efficacy; however, interventions used to increase well-being have not been investigated. In this study, we examined a strengths-based approach to reduce chronic pain and enhance pain self-efficacy, the belief that one has the capacity to function despite pain. In study 1, we administered a survey ( N = 491) in order to identify the strengths most associated with pain self-efficacy. In study 2, participants ( N = 122) were randomized into one of four experimental conditions based on the findings of Study 1, including a group who wrote about zest as well as several comparison groups. Results from Study 2 indicated that zest remained the most promising strength to target. In Study 3 ( N = 81), in a pre-registered trial, we replicated the main findings of Study 2, showing that focusing on the strength of zest effectively increases pain self-efficacy as well as the capacity to function despite pain after a two-week follow-up. These studies show that a strength-based intervention can increase pain self-efficacy and the capacity to function despite pain.