Identifying the Psychological Dimensions of Perceived Suffering in Patients With Medically Unexplained Pain

Authors

    Ali Akbar Nikfarjam Department of Educational Sciences, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
    Samaneh Pourhosseini * Department of Curriculum Planning, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran samaneh.pourh57@gmail.com

Keywords:

Psychological suffering, Medically unexplained pain, Thematic analysis, Lived experience, Psychological coping

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the psychological dimensions of perceived suffering in patients with medically unexplained pain using a qualitative approach. This qualitative study employed thematic analysis. Twenty-three adult patients from Tehran with chronic medically unexplained pain participated in the research. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using Nvivo 12 software and a three-phase coding process (open, axial, and selective). Data analysis resulted in three main themes: "emotional disturbances," "disruption in meaning and identity," and "coping and psychological regulation." At the emotional level, participants experienced helplessness, chronic anxiety, inner sadness, and shame. Identity and existential challenges such as personal disintegration, meaninglessness, and spiritual struggles were also prominent. Patients reported a range of coping mechanisms from maladaptive (avoidance, dependency) to adaptive (acceptance, meaning-making, self-care). Perceived suffering in patients with medically unexplained pain is a multilayered experience that extends beyond physical discomfort to psychological, social, and spiritual domains. Recognizing these dimensions is essential for designing more effective and human-centered therapeutic interventions.

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Published

2023-09-20

Submitted

2023-07-24

Revised

2023-08-22

Accepted

2023-08-31

Issue

Section

مقالات

How to Cite

Nikfarjam, A. A. (2023). Identifying the Psychological Dimensions of Perceived Suffering in Patients With Medically Unexplained Pain. Health Psychology and Behavioral Disorders, 1(3), 24-31. https://jhpbd.com/index.php/hpbd/article/view/22

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