Living with Chronic Pain and Traumatic Stress. Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Experience of Co-Morbidity: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Living with Chronic Pain and Traumatic Stress.
IRAS ID
132354
Contact name
Samantha L Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Metanoia Institute and Middlesex University
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to explore people’s experiences of living with chronic pain together with difficult, stressful life events referred to as traumatic stress. The aim is to develop a deeper understanding about what these experiences mean to individuals and how their lives have been impacted. In particular this qualitative study aims to expand on existing quantitative research by acknowledging that living with chronic pain and traumatic stress is diverse and individualistic.\n\nCurrently research examining the co-existence of chronic pain and traumatic stress is predominately quantitative but human experience is complex and cannot only be reduced to isolated symptoms. As psychologists I believe we need to take a holistic view of the client and develop more understanding about the meaning behind the experience and the interplay between the two. Therefore the significance and strength of this research is based on listening to the client and ultimately it is about finding ways to improve the lives of those individuals who live with this prevalent and distressing co-occurrence. \n\nThis study is qualitative in approach and focused on obtaining rich, descriptive data. The data will be gathered from individual semi-structured interviews with participants who have experienced chronic pain for more than 12 weeks and have a history of long term exposure to adverse or traumatic experiences. Participants will be interviewed once within the Clinical Health Psychology Department and each interview will take approximately an hour. The interviews will be recorded and transcribed and participants will be encouraged to talk freely about whatever comes to mind and what feels comfortable for them. \n\nThe findings can then be incorporated into the psychological assessment and management of chronic pain, wherby the client’s ’voice’ is relevant to informing treatment and developing effective and collaborative approaches in the psychological management of chronic pain. \n
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EE/0284
Date of REC Opinion
17 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion