Abstract
This study used Q-methodology to explore justice-related accounts of chronic pain. Eighty participants completed the Q-sorting procedure (33 chronic pain sufferers and 47 non-pain sufferers). Analysis revealed five main factors. Three factors blame: society for poor medical and interpersonal treatment; the chronic pain sufferer for indulging in self-pity and unempathic healthcare workers for ignoring patients. A fourth factor acknowledges the unfairness of pain and encourages self-reliance. The fifth factor rejects injustice in the chronic pain discourse. Overall, there is a shared view that chronic pain brings unfair treatment, disrespect and a de-legitimization of pain. Future research ideas are suggested.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 873-883 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Health Psychology |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2011 |
Keywords
- justice
- chronic pain
- injustice
- Q-methodology