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Taylor_Dissertation_3-15-21.pdf (901.96 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

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Flourishing With Chronic Pain

Taylor, Michelle Andrea
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3471-7627
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1615920359395019

Abstract Details

2021, Psy. D., Antioch University, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology.
Recognizing the need to include individuals with chronic pain in mainstream well-being profiling and to move beyond the debilitating factors inherent in this population, this study aimed to understand how individuals with moderate to severe chronic pain experience well-being in the light of positive psychology. Guided by the PERMA model, the goal was to track enhancers and challenges for well-being in reference to the model’s five components: positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Participants included six individuals living with daily moderate to severe chronic pain. One in-depth interview was conducted with each participant. Results pointed to overall moderate well-being. Adequate pain management, resilience, and positive relationships in participant’s lives appeared as the overarching sustainers of well-being, while the loss of control that chronic pain brings to an individual’s life was the most challenging issue regarding each participant’s flourishing. Emotions were variable, and positively influenced by individual participants’ protective factors. Participants were most engaged with loved ones and doing activities that over-rode their pain. While relationships were impacted as a result of having chronic pain, each participant had a dependable support system. Meaning was built from connections with others, and accomplishment included resilience and future goals related to one’s health. Health, a possible addition to the PERMA model, was also included in the results: this addition highlighted issues affecting participant’s vitality. Implications are discussed in relation to the utility and delivery of well-being enhancing components for mental health and medical professionals working with individuals living in chronic pain.
Christopher Heffner, Psy.D., Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Dana Waters, Psy.D, ABPP (Committee Member)
Michelle Brown, Psy.D. (Committee Member)
89 p.
Psychology
PERMA model; well-being; positive psychology; chronic pain; qualitative psychology

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Taylor, M. A. (2021). Flourishing With Chronic Pain [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1615920359395019

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Taylor, Michelle. Flourishing With Chronic Pain. 2021. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1615920359395019.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Taylor, Michelle. "Flourishing With Chronic Pain." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1615920359395019

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

antioch1615920359395019
487
© 2021, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.