Thriving when living with chronic pain: A qualitative evidence synthesis of individuals' experiences

Widdrington, H, Krahé, C, Herron, K, Smith, K and Cherry, MG (2025) Thriving when living with chronic pain: A qualitative evidence synthesis of individuals' experiences. British Journal of Health Psychology, 30 (3). ISSN 1359-107X

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Abstract

Introduction Research has begun to focus on positive adjustment to, and aspects of, living with chronic pain, which aligns with a positive psychology approach. This systematic review aimed to synthesize available qualitative data to understand the characteristics and approaches that enable people to thrive whilst living with chronic pain. Methods Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Scopus and ProQuest) were searched from their inception until January 2024 using a combination of terms for ‘chronic pain’, ‘thriving’ and ‘qualitative methods’. Inclusion criteria stipulated qualitative data pertaining to facilitators, barriers and inequalities in experiences of thriving in adults living with chronic pain (without a clear underlying cause). The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Tool. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis, with GRADE-CERQual used to determine confidence in the evidence. Results In total, 4162 studies were screened; 17 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Thematic synthesis yielded four overarching themes: (i) attitudes towards pain and its impact on life; (ii) behavioural strategies and openness to trying new things; (iii) perceiving love, support and connection with others; and (iv) ascribing meaning to life alongside pain. GRADE-CERQual indicated moderate confidence in findings. Discussion Findings align with Seligman's five pillars of well-being (PERMA) model and indicate clinical implications for supporting patients to thrive alongside pain.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1117 Public Health and Health Services; 1608 Sociology; 1701 Psychology; Clinical Psychology; 4206 Public health; 5203 Clinical and health psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Psychology (from Sep 2019)
Publisher:	Wiley
Date of acceptance:	3 June 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	23 June 2025
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2025 15:04
Last Modified:	23 Jun 2025 15:15
DOI or ID number:	10.1111/bjhp.70000
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26636

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