Social dynamics in chronic pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding perceptions around social dynamics in people with chronic pain
IRAS ID
262665
Contact name
Richard Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 28 days
Research summary
The quality of social relationships can significantly affect how people cope with health conditions such as chronic pain. There is evidence to suggest that people with chronic pain can experience difficulties in their relationships with others and can feel like they are a burden and become socially withdrawn. Yet there is a lack of research which has investigated why these interpersonal difficulties arise and the impact that they have on people. This study has been designed to help us understand the different social dynamics in people with chronic pain and how this can affect their experience of chronic pain.
In order to do this, we will identify a sample of individuals with chronic pain who score highly on a measure of social disconnection and burdensomeness. Patients who have previously consented to allow researchers to contact them regarding future studies will be contacted and invited to take part. Potential participants will also be approached when they attend the pain management programme for the initial assessment and also during their last days of treatment. We will then interview a number of these individuals to find out more about their relationships with others. These interviews will be recorded and typed up; we will then analyse the transcripts and note any emerging or common themes. We will also ask participants to fill in further questionnaires concerning their perceptions of the important relationships in their life so that we can describe the characteristics of those who participate in the study.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0441
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion