Formation and Maintenance of Resilience in People with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Summary of the Doctoral Thesis
Authors:   ,   Rīga Stradiņš University, Zelčāne Elīna 
Published: November 2024

Introduction Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common health disorders. It affects 13–47 % of the world’s population. Of these, approximately 39 % to 45 % suffer from chronic pain. Living with chronic pain can have several negative consequences, like stress, depression, social isolation, and lower quality of life. However, some individuals are more resilient despite pain. The aim of the Thesis This study aims to explore how people with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) describe their experience regarding the formation and maintenance of resilience in the long term. Methods Within the framework of the qualitative research strategy, semi-structured interviews and two focus groups with 17 purposefully selected research participants ages 29 to 64 were conducted. Data were analysed by integrating thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and the critical incident technique. The analysis of interviews and interpretation of results revealed that resilience begins to develop only when individuals reach a threshold of physical or emotional suffering significant enough to assume responsibility for the future. Reasons why some people bounce back more quickly than others are influenced by the intensity of pain, individual level of endurance, available support and whether they have a hope for improving their health. Maintaining resilience in the long term depends on regular physical activities, especially on-site group sessions and various pain relief techniques. An essential role in maintaining resilience involves employing cognitive and emotion regulation strategies, like rejecting unrealistic expectations, focusing on opportunities rather than obstacles, maintaining a positive future perspective, seeking sources of joy, and attributing meaning to life despite pain. To sustain resilience in the long term, one must be able to accept emotional and practical support during times of need while simultaneously avoiding dependence on external assistance. Conclusions This study enabled the exploration of factors that promote and hinder resilience at different stages of illness. Based on the descriptions of experiences provided by the interviewed research participants on how they have adapted to life with chronic pain, the author of 6 the dissertation concluded that resilience changes depending on the course of the illness, the person?s ability to accept the pain-related aspects of life that cannot be changed, and the willingness to take responsibility for maintaining quality of life despite the limitations caused by pain. In this study, the decision-making process concerning the methodology is exhaustively described, so it can serve as an example for qualitative researchers interested in investigating resilience or other complex and multidimensional phenomena. The Doctoral Thesis was developed at Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy, Rīga Stradiņš University, Latvia. Defence: at the public session of the Promotion Council of Psychology on 11 November 2024 at 11.00 in the Hippocrates Lecture Theatre, 16 Dzirciema Street, Rīgas Stradiņš University and remotely via online platform Zoom. 5.1 Psychology; Sub-Sector – Health Psychology. Keywords: chronic musculoskeletal pain; qualitative research; resilience; thematic analysis; narrative analysis; critical incident technique.