A little self-compassion can go a long way when you have chronic pain, according to a new study out of Murdoch University.
The research found that psychological factors may play a crucial role in the experience and management of chronic pain.
Dr Graeme Ditchburn , from Murdoch University's School of Psychology, said the study showed that chronic pain was associated with significantly higher levels of perfectionism, and reduced levels of self-compassion.
"We undertook this study because although the association between stress and pain is recognised, little is known about links between chronic pain and stress arising from perfectionist expectations," Dr Ditchburn said.
The study took place in two-parts, involving 531 participants aged 18 to 65 years who had reported a chronic pain condition for longer than three months, which was non-cancerous and not the result of a still-healing, recent-wound tissue - and 515 individuals who reported no pain condition.
The most prevalent pain conditions of study participants were back pain, migraine and arthritis.
"Chronic pain sufferers may experience frustration with difficulties performing day-to-day activities and push themselves toward unrealistic or unachievable goals," he said.
"Furthermore, they may also feel that others have expectations that are difficult to meet.
"Self-compassion may reflect fear of judgment or self-criticism, perceiving the pain condition and the burden caused by this condition as their own fault. These also have negative implications for perceptions of self-efficacy or self-belief in one's capacity.
In turn, these have both direct and indirect associations with stress, which has negative consequences for physical and mental health."
"Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing self-compassion and addressing perfectionistic tendencies may be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain."
The physical and psychological impact of a condition on an individual may vary depending on the type and number of pain conditions, so researchers suggest future studies explore whether the type of condition and degree of impairment (as perceived by the individual and others) is associated with perfectionism, self-compassion and self-efficacy.
The full study Perfectionism, self-compassion, and general self-efficacy between those with and without chronic pain , can be found in Psychology and Health journal.
