Barriers and Facilitators of Psychological Empowerment in Chronic Pain Management: A Grounded Theory Approach

Aim: Concerning the high prevalence of chronic pain and the remarkable role of psychological empowerment in chronic pain management, identifying factors influencing psychological empowerment in chronic pain management is of high importance. Hence, the current study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of using psychological empowerment in chronic pain management from health care providers and patients’ viewpoints. Method and Materials: The grounded theory approach was applied using semi-structured interviews and observation of participants as the main methods for data collection. Fifteen members of the health care providers had a greater relationship with the psychotic dimensions of chronic pain management and 6 patients with chronic pain participated with purposive and theoretical sampling methods in Ahvaz city. Sampling was continued until data saturation and data analysis were performed concurrently with data gathering based on Corbin and Strauss’s proposed method. Data validity was confirmed via Lincoln and Guba’s approach. Findings: Two themes of “emotional dysregulation” and “negative attitude towards pain”, were identified as barriers to psychological empowerment. Emotional dysregulation consisted of two subsets of the emotional synergy of pain and the inefficiency of symptomatic therapies. Negative attitudes toward pain also consisted of subsets of false assumptions about pain and lack of self-efficacy. Two themes of “pain acceptance” and “finding the meaning of pain” were also identified as facilitators of psychological empowerment. In this regard, the content of pain acceptance consisted of subcategories of increasing awareness, reality acceptance, and a positive attitude toward pain. Two subcategories of values and pain love also created pain meaning themes. Conclusion: To evaluate and properly manage chronic pain, consideration of the psychological dimensions of the pain, including barriers and facilitators of the psychological empowerment process, can be beneficial in designing a comprehensive care program to improve chronic management.