Building resilience in the face of chronic pain: RSU lecturer’s dissertation findings

Writer: Elīna Zelčāne (Doctor of Psychology, Lecturer at the RSU Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy)

You have likely encountered someone who, much like a phoenix, is able to rise from the ashes. Perhaps you have wondered why some people give up more easily in the face of hardships, while others – despite the challenges they face – are able to tap into an inner strength, overcoming adversity and often emerging stronger than before. In my dissertation, I explored resilience in individuals with chronic pain and concluded that it is crucial to focus on both lifestyle and mindset, as mental and physical health are deeply intertwined and impact each other.

What is resilience, and what role does it play?

Before diving into the research findings, it is important to define resilience. The term comes from the Latin word resilire, meaning “to bounce back.” It refers to the ability to recover, much like a rubber ball bouncing back after hitting the floor. However, resilience is not the same for everyone; it can manifest differently depending on the situation. At times, resilience may require the steadfastness of an oak tree, standing firm despite life’s storms. Other times, it may call for the flexibility of a willow tree, adapting to changing circumstances. And at times, like a pine tree with a broken crown, resilience means accepting defeat and finding the strength to grow anew.

For someone with health problems, being resilient means adapting to the limitations imposed by the disease and accepting circumstances beyond your control, while also taking responsibility for the aspects of life you can change.

Resilience is neither a denial of reality nor a passive acceptance of circumstances. Instead, it is an active engagement with what is happening, striving to find the best way to live as fully as possible.

Photo: Courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Genetics, environment, and personal choices

Research shows that resilience is influenced by several factors. Firstly, we are born with different traits. People who are emotionally stable, more extroverted, and open to new experiences tend to cope better with challenges. Resilience is also nurtured by a supportive environment, where individuals feel heard and encouraged, and by positive role models around them. When we witness others in our community successfully overcoming crises, it boosts our belief in our own abilities. Additionally, resilience is shaped by personal experience and how effectively a person has recovered from adverse life events. Finally, personal choices play a crucial role – everything from sleep quality and physical health to mental hygiene and where one chooses to focus their attention.

Long-term resilience needs to be studied

Research in psychology often focuses on what helps people recover after enduring short-term hardships, such as a traumatic experience. However,

there is a lack of studies dedicated to building long-term resilience.

If a person faces adverse events daily, such as living with a chronic illness, finding the strength to rise above those challenges can be difficult. 

In this study, I focused on resilience in people experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Through focus groups and individual interviews, I gathered the experiences of 17 individuals who have been living with chronic pain for five years or more. The goal was to understand how they adapt to these challenges and maintain their determination to live the best version of their lives despite the pain.

Pain like a taut bowline, hot oil and a life teacher

It might seem that people who describe their pain as tightly taut ship lines, a tourniquet, hot oil, or a rodent gnawing at their neck would struggle to maintain a positive outlook on life. However,

the study revealed that, despite the persistent pain, the majority of participants had learned not to make it the centre of their lives. They had found ways to live a fulfilled and happy life

alongside the limitations imposed by their condition.

One participant who uses a wheelchair said: ‘You do not necessarily need legs to be happy. What you need is a head on your shoulders, and that is basically it... your outlook on life, self-acceptance – those are the most important things.’

Another participant revealed: ‘Pain has helped me gain a deeper appreciation for what life offers...’ A third participant further reflected: ‘Pain is not merely a horrible, intolerable thing. It is indeed a horrible, intolerable thing, but through this horrible, intolerable thing, you can learn, understand, and appreciate a lot’.

Source: LSM.lv