Psychological factors influencing pain intensity perception: A qualitative study on Canadian patient insights

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is a pervasive condition that significantly impacts the quality of life and involves complex interactions between physical sensations and psychological factors. This study aimed to explore the psychological factors influencing pain intensity perception, offering insights into how emotional responses, cognitive perceptions, social influences, and physical experiences shaping the experience of pain. Methods: This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 28 participants aged 18-65 from Richmond Hill, Ontario, who experience chronic pain within September to December 2023. The interviews aimed to achieve theoretical saturation and were analyzed using NVivo software to identify themes and sub-themes within the data. Results: Four main themes were identified: emotional responses, cognitive perceptions, social influences, and physical experience. Each theme comprised several categories with distinct concepts such as anxiety, depression, coping mechanisms, pain significance, personal control, family dynamics, healthcare interactions, sensory details, and activity levels. These themes collectively depicted a comprehensive view of the multifaceted psychological impact on pain perception. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of pain perception in chronic pain management. By integrating emotional, cognitive, and social factors, healthcare providers can enhance therapeutic approaches and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain.