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Uslu E, Özsaban A, Ocak Ş, Bayram A, Demir S. Patient perspectives about multiple sclerosis: A metaphor study. J Eval Clin Pract 2024; 30:687-692. [PMID: 38623997 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
AIM Determining patients' perceptions of multiple sclerosis, a disease with varying symptoms and prognosis for each individual, can significantly contribute to directing care and treatment. Metaphors may be an opportunity to determine perceptions of this unique illness experience. The aim of this study was to reveal the perceptions of patients with multiple sclerosis about "multiple sclerosis" through metaphors. METHODS This study was conducted with metaphor analysis technique based on phenomenological method. The sample included 184 patients with multiple sclerosis. Data was collected face-to-face between July 2022 and January 2023. Each participant was interviewed individually and was asked to fill in the blanks in the sentence, "multiple sclerosis is like… because…". Content analysis was performed for metaphors. RESULTS The study revealed five main themes and twelve subthemes that provided insight into the participants' multiple sclerosis perceptions. The themes address (i) Manipulator multiple sclerosis; ambiguous multiple sclerosis, attritive multiple sclerosis, controller multiple sclerosis, demander multiple sclerosis, and conditional multiple sclerosis (ii) Temporal multiple sclerosis; cyclical multiple sclerosis and perpetual multiple sclerosis (iii) Follower multiple sclerosis; unaccepted multiple sclerosis, partner multiple sclerosis and ambusher multiple sclerosis (iv) Different multiple sclerosis; bittersweet multiple sclerosis and unique multiple sclerosis (v) Restorative multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that patients with multiple sclerosis mostly had negative perceptions regarding their relationship with multiple sclerosis. The results place a responsibility on healthcare professionals to improve how patients adapt to multiple sclerosis. This study's results can bridge theoretical knowledge and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Uslu
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Aysel Özsaban
- Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Şahika Ocak
- Department of Neurological Research Unit, Sancaktepe Şehit Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysun Bayram
- Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Serkan Demir
- Department of Neurology, Sancaktepe Şehit Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Davies R, Price Tate R, Taverner NV. What next for "counseling" in genetic counseling training: A reflection on how CBT and ACT approaches can contribute to the genetic counseling toolkit. J Genet Couns 2024; 33:129-134. [PMID: 38342751 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Counseling techniques are an important component of genetic counseling training and are focused on the person-centered counseling philosophy. While this has a long tradition within the profession and underpins the empowerment goal, it should not limit consideration of the potential benefits of education on other psychotherapeutic approaches such as the cognitive philosophy. The goal of empowerment in genetic counseling requires patients to receive information in a way that is accessible to them and to make sense of it in relation to their own health, lifestyle, and family information. This assimilation of new information is a complex cognitive process, and yet it is one that genetic counselors do not routinely actively facilitate. Rather the counseling component of genetic counseling has traditionally focused on emotionally supporting the patient which is driven by the person-centered philosophy that is covered in genetic counseling training. This paper argues for the potential for adopting more cognitive approaches informed by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), as these short interventions can have wide impact, including engaging patients who do not want to discuss feelings, helping people to make sense of information (not just gain knowledge), and helping people to change the relationship they have with their thoughts. This paper advocates for an introduction to CBT and ACT to be incorporated into prequalification training and for more advanced training to be available to postqualification genetic counselors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Davies
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Newport, UK
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Johnson MI, Hudson M, Ryan CG. Perspectives on the insidious nature of pain metaphor: we literally need to change our metaphors. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1224139. [PMID: 37781218 PMCID: PMC10540619 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1224139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Metaphorical language is used to convey one thing as representative or symbolic of something else. Metaphor is used in figurative language but is much more than a means of delivering "poetic imagination". A metaphor is a conceptual tool for categorising, organizing, thinking about, and ultimately shaping reality. Thus, metaphor underpins the way humans think. Our viewpoint is that metaphorical thought and communication contribute to "painogenicity", the tendency of socio-ecological environments (settings) to promote the persistence of pain. In this perspectives article, we explore the insidious nature of metaphor used in pain language and conceptual models of pain. We explain how metaphor shapes mental organisation to govern the way humans perceive, navigate and gain insight into the nature of the world, i.e., creating experience. We explain how people use metaphors to "project" their private sensations, feelings, and thoughts onto objects and events in the external world. This helps people to understand their pain and promotes sharing of pain experience with others, including health care professionals. We explore the insidious nature of "warmongering" and damage-based metaphors in daily parlance and demonstrate how this is detrimental to health and wellbeing. We explore how metaphors shape the development and communication of complex, abstract ideas, theories, and models and how scientific understanding of pain is metaphorical in nature. We argue that overly simplistic neuro-mechanistic metaphors of pain contribute to fallacies and misnomers and an unhealthy focus on biomedical research, in the hope of developing medical interventions that "prevent pain transmission [sic]". We advocate reconfiguring pain language towards constructive metaphors that foster a salutogenic view of pain, focusing on health and well-being. We advocate reconfiguring metaphors to align with contemporary pain science, to encourage acceptance of non-medicalised strategies to aid health and well-being. We explore the role of enactive metaphors to facilitate reconfiguration. We conclude that being cognisant of the pervasive nature of metaphors will assist progress toward a more coherent conceptual understanding of pain and the use of healthier pain language. We hope our article catalyses debate and reflection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I. Johnson
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Hudson
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Mind Help Limited, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Cormac G. Ryan
- Centre for Rehabilitation, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
- The Pain Education Team Aspiring Learning (PETAL) Collaboration
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Root K, Nosek S. Understanding how college students characterise and cope with chronic pain: a thematic analysis of expressive writing samples. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2023; 49:370-377. [PMID: 36549859 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2022-012466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
College students who experience chronic pain are a frequently overlooked population. This research attempts to provide insight into the language that college students use to describe their experiences with chronic pain, challenges they face and coping strategies they use. Over the course of 4 consecutive days, participants responded to an expressive writing prompt asking them to reflect on their emotions and thoughts related to being a college student with chronic pain. Writing samples were then analysed to identify themes pertaining to words with a positive or negative emotional valence, terms used to characterise pain, metaphors used to describe pain, challenges faced, and positive and negative coping strategies used. Results showed that participants were more likely to use negatively valenced words than positively valenced words to describe their pain. Several common words and phrases were used to characterise pain, including metaphors. Finally, participants reported a number of challenges associated with their lived-experience of chronic pain, as well as positive and negative strategies used to cope with those challenges. These findings help to put into perspective the language used to understand, and attempt to cope with, the challenges faced by college students experiencing chronic pain. Research must continue to investigate the needs of this population so that they can be properly supported physically, emotionally, socially and academically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Root
- Department of Psychology, Saint Michael's College, Colchester, Vermont, USA
| | - Sarah Nosek
- Department of Psychology, Saint Michael's College, Colchester, Vermont, USA
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Jordan A, Williams M, Jones A, Noel M, Neville A, Clinch J, Pincus T, Gauntlett-Gilbert J, Leake H. Pediatrician Explanations of Pediatric Pain in Clinical Settings: A Delicate Craft. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1396-1405. [PMID: 36893876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Explaining chronic pain to children and families can be challenging, particularly in the absence of an obvious physiologically identifiable cause for the child's pain. In addition to medical intervention, children and families may expect clinicians to provide clarity around the cause of pain. Such explanations are often provided by clinicians who have not received formal pain training. This qualitative study sought to explore the following question: What do pediatricians consider to be important when providing pain explanations to children and their parents? Using semistructured interview methods, 16 UK pediatricians were interviewed regarding their perceptions of explaining chronic pain to children and families in clinical settings. Data were analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Analyses generated 3 themes: 1) timing of the explanation, 2) casting a wider net, and 3) tailoring of the narrative. Study findings demonstrated the need for pediatricians to skilfully interpret where children and families are in their pain journey and deliver an appropriate and adaptable explanation relating to individual needs. Analyses identified the importance of providing a pain explanation that could be repeated and understood by others outside the consultation room, to enable children and families to accept the explanation. PERSPECTIVE: Study findings identify the importance of language in addition to familial and broader factors that may influence the provision and adoption of chronic pain explanations provided by pediatricians to children and families. Improving pain explanation provision may influence treatment engagement for children and their parents, subsequently impacting pain related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbie Jordan
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK; Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
| | | | - Abigail Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK; Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Canada
| | - Alexandra Neville
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Jacqueline Clinch
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; Bristol Royal Children's Hospital, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Bath Centre for Pain Services, Royal United Hospitals Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Tamar Pincus
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK
| | - Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert
- Bath Centre for Pain Services, Royal United Hospitals Bath, Bath, UK; Centre for Health and Clinical Research, University of the West of England Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hayley Leake
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Camerota F, Mariani R, Cordiano G, Di Trani M, Lodato V, Ferraris A, Pasquini M, Celletti C. The Language of Pain in the Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Metaphors as a Key to Understanding the Experience of Pain and as a Rehabilitation Tool. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1042. [PMID: 37508973 PMCID: PMC10377642 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a heterogeneous group of Heritable Connective Tissue Disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Among the different types, the hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is the most frequent and includes generalized joint hypermobility as the major diagnostic criterion. Joint hypermobility in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is often associated with pain that does not always allow the use of effective pain-reducing treatments. Patients with hEDS constantly describe their pain in detail. Eighty-nine patients with hEDS diagnoses were recruited and evaluated. They were asked to describe their pain in writing. The texts were examined through Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. Correlational analyses were conducted between pain perception and language. A comparison of high/low pain perception and the quality of metaphors was carried out. The results showed that language quality varies depending on how much pain is perceived. The greater the pain is perceived, the lesser the positive effects and the greater the negative effects and dehumanizing metaphors are being used. Moreover, a greater pain seems to be related to a verbal experience of greater isolation and less self-care. In conclusion, the use of metaphors is a useful tool for examining illness experience and may help clinicians in the rehabilitation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Camerota
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umberto I University Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Mariani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies Sapienza, University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Michela Di Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies Sapienza, University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodato
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferraris
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Celletti
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umberto I University Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Declercq J, van Poppel L, Velvis T. Machines, journeys, prisons and yo-yos: Metaphors of pain, illness and medicine in consultations with chronic pain patients. Soc Sci Med 2023; 330:116043. [PMID: 37392649 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper examines pain, illness and medicine metaphors as used in consultations between chronic pain patients and anaesthesiologists, physiotherapists and psychologists in a Belgian pain clinic. As metaphors frame and highlight aspects of understanding and experiences of life events, including illness, they can provide insight in how health professionals and patients construct illness, pain and medicine in interaction. MATERIALS AND METHOD 16 intake consultations (collected in Belgium in April-May 2019) between 6 patients and 4 health professionals were qualitatively coded twice ATLAS. TI by a team of 3 coders, using an adjusted form of the Metaphor Identification Procedure. Each metaphor was labelled for source domain, target domain and speaker. RESULTS A number of metaphors that have been previously documented in past research were frequent in our data too, such as journey and machine metaphors, although sometimes also used differently, like war metaphors. Our data set also contained many few-used and sometimes more novel metaphors, such as ILLNESS IS A YO-YO. Many metaphors highlight particular aspects of living with and talking about chronic pain, such as its duration and persistent presence, a lack of agency and feelings of powerlessness, and a dualistic perspective on body and mind. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The metaphors used by health professionals and patients give insight in the lived experience of having and treating chronic pain. In this way, they can contribute to our understanding of patients' experiences and challenges, how they recur in clinical communication, and how they are related to wider discourses on health, illness and pain.
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Munday I, Newton-John T, Kneebone I. Clinician experience of metaphor in chronic pain communication. Scand J Pain 2023; 23:88-96. [PMID: 35920187 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2022-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated clinician experience of patient use of metaphors in chronic pain communication. METHODS Interviews were conducted with eighteen Australian clinicians working with chronic pain patients, age range 26-64 years (M=46.6), 50% female, experience working in chronic pain ranging from 2 to 27 years (M=11.16). RESULTS Thematic Analysis yielded four key themes: Metaphor as communicative tool, Metaphor as clue, Metaphor as obstacle, and Metaphor use in treatment. Clinicians identified metaphor as an important tool for patients to communicate their pain experience, whilst acknowledging that it could at times be unhelpful to patients. Metaphor was seen to contain useful information for clinicians and possess utility in assessment and treatment. CONCLUSIONS Metaphors play a significant role in chronic pain consultations, enabling clinician insight into pain type, psychopathology, and patient pain understanding. Metaphor in treatment phases may be underutilised. Clinicians should encourage patient metaphor use in chronic pain communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogene Munday
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Toby Newton-John
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian Kneebone
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Koops TU, Frith H. 'I don't live in my body somehow': metaphorical talk in women's accounts of vaginismus and dyspareunia. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2022; 24:1650-1664. [PMID: 34720050 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1992015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vaginismus and dyspareunia are common sexual difficulties; they often take a long time to be appropriately diagnosed, and their origins remain unclear. This paper examines the metaphors used by women to describe bodily experiences associated with vaginismus and dyspareunia, and highlights the contribution this form of analysis can make to the study of sexuality and sexual difficulties. A secondary analysis was conducted on primary data from biographic interviews exploring women's experiences of sexual pain and difficulties with sexual intercourse. Metaphor analysis was used to analyse a data subset of 28 interviews translated from German into English. Metaphorical concepts lying at the basis of the metaphors used were identified and grouped into three themes: characterisation of sexual difficulties; split body and 'self'; and sexual agency and objectification. Results are discussed with in the context of literature regarding the function of metaphors and the utility of metaphor analysis for research, and healthcare research and interventions more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thula U Koops
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Frith
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guilford, UK
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Kriegsmann-Rabe LM, Hiebel N, Maus K, Geiser F. “Flying over the crisis”: A study on interdisciplinary metaphors of resilience. CULTURE & PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1354067x221111438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aim: Metaphors on theoretical concepts may be congruent or divergent from their explicit definitions. We carried out a secondary qualitative analysis on metaphors of members of an interdisciplinary research group on resilience and investigated: (A) Which metaphors do experts in different disciplines use to describe people showing resilience? (B) Do these (implicit) metaphors support the (explicit) theses of the research group on resilience? (C) Do we find differences between experts from different disciplines in the use of metaphors on resilience? Method: Nine guideline-based interviews with experts from medicine, psychology, philosophy, and theology were studied using a systematic metaphor analysis, basing on inductive and deductive categorizations. Results: Eight metaphor sources were identified, for example, battle, path. Experts used similar metaphors to describe resilience that often overarched the concepts of resilience as a trait, process, and outcome. Moments of vulnerability within the resilience trajectory were found. Conclusions: The analysis revealed high concordance of metaphors across different disciplines, reflecting both the ideas of the group as well as the mainstream view of resilience. This supports that implicit concepts may be more difficult to reframe than explicit theories. Few differences between disciplines may point to the impact of an overarching Western concept of individual resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Hiebel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katja Maus
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Franziska Geiser
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Nizza IE, Smith JA, Kirkham JA. Portraying improvement in the management of chronic pain: A multi-modal longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis study. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:901271. [PMID: 36204722 PMCID: PMC9530133 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.901271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a common, profoundly disabling and complex condition whose effects on identity may explain the distress experienced by those affected by it. This paper concerns a study exploring how the relationship with pain and sense of self evolved following participation in a pain management program (PMP). Participants were interviewed at three timepoints: before attending a PMP, 1 month after the PMP and 6 months after the PMP. To facilitate a deep experiential description of pain and its effects, interviews were guided by participant-generated drawings of pain and Self. Interviews and drawings were analyzed longitudinally using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The evolving experience of participants was outlined through different trajectory types. Here we describe the upward and positive trajectory of three female participants who were able to regain control over their lives. From a state of psychological stress where pain was represented as an aggressive and oppressive presence, participants' drawings, their narratives and indeed their lives, changed for the best. Pain stopped being the main feature, they were able to integrate it into their lives, make important changes and find a new balance. The results demonstrate the idiosyncratic nature of chronic pain and offer a nuanced account of its links to the lifeworld of those living with it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella E. Nizza
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan A. Smith
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jonathan A. Smith
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Amberg A, Crispin M, Koeppenkastrop L, Munday I, McCambridge AB. Unravelling dystonic pain; a mixed methods survey to explore the language of dystonic pain and impact on life. Disabil Rehabil 2022:1-9. [PMID: 35676197 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2083242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dystonia is a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary muscle contractions. Pain is the primary non-motor symptom, and limited studies have investigated how dystonic pain is experienced. This study aimed to investigate how people with isolated dystonia describe their pain and compare across subgroups of dystonia. METHODS Anonymous online survey via social media asking participants to describe their pain in their own words, complete the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and answer demographic questions. Thematic analysis identified common themes and frequencies were calculated for demographic and MPQ data. RESULTS One-hundred and sixty-five respondents were included (mean age 51 years, 85% female). Thematic analysis identified four major themes "Physical sensations", "Temporal features", "Destruction", "Impact on life" with several sub-themes. The most chosen MPQ descriptor was "exhausting" followed by "tight," "sharp," "pulling," and "aching". The most common descriptors showed similar prevalence across subgroups of dystonia. CONCLUSION As no objective tests for pain exist, pain sufferers must use language to describe their pain experience. People with isolated dystonia used sensory words combined with metaphorical language to detail temporal features of pain, as well as destructive internal battles or feelings of external forces acting upon them, and the significant toll pain has on everyday life. Implications for rehabilitationPain is a common and debilitating non-motor symptom for people living with dystonia and should be discussed in a persons treatment plan.Pain sufferers use language to discuss their pain experience with others and report they don't feel well understood by others including health professionals.People with dystonic pain commonly described physical sensations, temporal features, destructive forces, and the impact on life caused by their pain.Findings suggest the experience of pain with dystonia is varied and better pain management options for people with dystonia are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Amberg
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Monique Crispin
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luis Koeppenkastrop
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Imogene Munday
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Clinical Psychology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alana B McCambridge
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Cakmak B, Calik A, Inkaya BV. Metaphoric Perceptions of Covid-19 Patients Related to the Disease. Clin Nurs Res 2021; 31:385-394. [PMID: 34615386 DOI: 10.1177/10547738211048312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore metaphoric perceptions of patients with COVID-19 including treatment process, family relationships, and mental health via using metaphors. Purposive sampling was used to include participants. Totally 46 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. The metaphor-based data collection process was carried out with three open-ended questions. The metaphors compiled according to questions and grouped by 13 themes according to analysis. Patients explained to COVID-19 process by using 91 different metaphors. Most frequently used metaphors by patients; black hole/dark for the treatment process of COVID-19, steel for family relationships, sea metaphor for mental health. This study, it was determined that individuals are afraid of death, have a serious perception of uncertainty, and their family relationships and this process negatively affected their family relationships and mental states. Nurses have important responsibilities to increase the quality of patient care.
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Woodgate RL, Tennent P, Legras N. Understanding Youth's Lived Experience of Anxiety through Metaphors: A Qualitative, Arts-Based Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4315. [PMID: 33921770 PMCID: PMC8074263 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Living with anxiety can be a complex, biopsychosocial experience that is unique to each person and embedded in their contexts and lived worlds. Scales and questionnaires are necessary to quantify anxiety, yet these approaches are not always able to reflect the lived experience of psychological distress experienced by youth. Guided by hermeneutic phenomenology, our research aimed to amplify the voices of youth living with anxiety. Fifty-eight youth living with anxiety took part in in-depth, open-ended interviews and participatory arts-based methods (photovoice and ecomaps). Analysis was informed by van Manen's method of data analysis with attention to lived space, lived body, lived time, and lived relationships, as well as the meanings of living with anxiety. Youth relied on the following metaphors to describe their experiences: A shrinking world; The heavy, heavy backpack; Play, pause, rewind, forward; and A fine balance. Overall, youth described their anxiety as a monster, contributing to feelings of fear, loss, and pain, but also hope. The findings from this study can contribute to the reduction of barriers in knowledge translation by encouraging the use of narrative and visual metaphors as a communicative tool to convey youth's lived experience of anxiety to researchers, clinicians, and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lynn Woodgate
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (P.T.); (N.L.)
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Munday I, Kneebone I, Rogers K, Newton-John T. The Language of Pain: Is There a Relationship Between Metaphor Use and Adjustment to Chronic Pain? PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:2073-2084. [PMID: 33729513 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metaphor, frequently used in chronic pain, can function as a communicative tool, facilitating understanding and empathy from others. Previous research has demonstrated that specific linguistic markers exist for areas such as pain catastrophizing, mood, as well as diagnostic categories. The current study sought to examine potential associations between the types of pain metaphors used and diagnostic category, disability, and mood. DESIGN Online cross-sectional survey in Sydney, Australia. SUBJECTS People with chronic pain (n = 247, age 19-78 years, M = 43.69). METHODS The data collected included demographics, pain metaphors, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21). Associations between metaphor source domains, obtained via Systematic Metaphor Analysis, and scores on the BPI, DASS-21, as well as diagnostic group were considered using binary logistic analysis. RESULTS Use of different pain metaphors was not associated with pain intensity, however the extent to which pain interfered with daily life did have a relationship with use of metaphorical language. Preliminary support was found for an association between the use of certain pain metaphors and self-reported diagnostic categories, notably Endometriosis, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and Neuropathic pain. CONCLUSIONS There may be specific linguistic metaphorical markers to indicate pain interference and for particular diagnoses. Appreciation of pain metaphors has potential to facilitate communication and enhance understanding in interactions between clinicians and people with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogene Munday
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian Kneebone
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kris Rogers
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Toby Newton-John
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Bullo S, Hearn JH. Parallel worlds and personified pain: A mixed-methods analysis of pain metaphor use by women with endometriosis. Br J Health Psychol 2020; 26:271-288. [PMID: 32920887 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Endometriosis is a long-term condition in which endometrial-like tissue grows outside of the womb, causing intense chronic pain. Previous work has demonstrated the physical and emotional impact on women who live with endometriosis, and metaphors can play an influential role in communicating the experience of pain, but there exists little understanding of the role and impact of such language for women with endometriosis. DESIGN A qualitative, semi-structured interview design. METHODS Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) were utilized in a mixed-methods study to examine the prevalence, types, and meaning of metaphors and metaphor use as a health communication strategy. Twenty-one women aged between 23 and 53 years (mean age 36.1 years) with endometriosis took part in audio-recorded interviews. RESULTS The women reported experiencing symptoms for an average of 11 years before receiving a formal diagnosis of endometriosis, and the mean age of diagnosis was 27.6 years. Seven distinct conceptual metaphors were identified in 221 metaphorical expressions used across all participants, with most common ones referring to pain as physical properties of elements such as temperature and pressure, physical damage, and an external attacker. IPA revealed three themes pertaining to the feeling of vulnerability and helplessness, pain being incomprehensible, and a drive to manage and conceal pain simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the power of language in facilitating understanding and empathy in the listener, alongside the challenge of communicating endometriosis pain to others. Imagery-based techniques may assist in adaptation to, interpretation, and acceptance of pain to reduce pain-related distress.
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