Topical Review: Resilience Resources and Mechanisms in Pediatric Chronic Pain

J Pediatr Psychol. 2015 Oct;40(9):840-5. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsv037. Epub 2015 May 15.

Abstract

Objective: To apply resilience theory and the extant literature to propose a resilience-risk model for pediatric chronic pain and provide an agenda for research and clinical practice in pediatric chronic pain resilience.

Method: Literature review to develop a resilience-risk model for pediatric chronic pain.

Results: The chronic pain literature has identified unique individual and social/environmental resilience resources and pain-related resilience mechanisms that promote pain adaptation. These data support our ecological resilience-risk model for pediatric chronic pain, and the model highlights novel directions for clinical and research efforts for youth with chronic pain.

Conclusions: The examination of pediatric chronic pain from a strengths-based approach might lead to novel clinical avenues to empower youth to positively adapt and live beyond their pain.

Keywords: chronic and recurrent pain; coping skills and adjustment; psychosocial functioning; resilience.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Chronic Pain / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological
  • Resilience, Psychological*