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Finlay, K.A. & J. Elander, “Reflecting the transition from pain management services to chronic pain support group attendance: An interpretative phenomenological analysis”, British Journal of Health Psychology 21.3 (Sep 2016), 660-676.  DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12194.

This study aimed to investigate the decision-making processes involved in the choice to attend a chronic pain support group (CPSG) following discharge from a Pain Management Programme. An in-depth, qualitative analysis was undertaken using interpretative phenomenological analysis, exploring participants’ subjective experiences, decision-making, and rationale for initial CPSG attendance.

Social support and associated friendships are attractive to prospective CPSG members and are conceptualised as opportunities to engage in social comparison and nurture self-care. The first visit to the support group presents a significant hurdle, but can be facilitated by managing the transition between therapeutic care and CPSG attendance. Clinicians can challenge preconceptions, foster positive viewpoints regarding the group and support collective decision-making to attend. Following initial attendance, psychosocial well-being was enhanced.

Participants are predominantly attracted to support groups due to the opportunity to develop new friendships. Health-related peer groups function as fora for social comparison, enhancing self-esteem and self-efficacy. Experience of pain management programmes primes willingness to attend support groups. The initial decision to attend is difficult but facilitated by collective, group decision-making processes. Health care professionals dynamically prime the transition towards peer support structures.

Dr Katherine Finlay is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Â鶹ֱ²¥. Her work centres around her interests in clinical and health-related research, particularly in chronic pain and pain following spinal cord injuries. Katherine also publishes regularly in music psychology, and is a regular reviewer for the British Journal of Health Psychology and Psychology of Music.