A Concept Analysis of Coping with Chronic Pain in Older Adults

Abstract

Objectives: There is no consensus on the definition of coping with chronic pain in older adults. The lack of a definition affects communication in interdisciplinary care, limits assessments of coping in clinical practice, and influences the development of knowledge on the subject. The aim of this paper is to report on a concept analysis of coping with chronic pain in older adults and to construct a definition of the concept.

Design: A concept analysis was conducted.

Data sources: A literature search was conducted in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases.

Review methods: Rodgers' evolutionary method was used for the concept analysis.

Results: The search yielded 32 articles. Surrogate terms included "living with pain," "pain management," "managing pain," "self-management," "adapting to pain," "dealing with pain," and "adjustment to pain." Related concepts were categorized under methods of coping, pain relief, and seeking help. The following definition, which takes into consideration the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of coping with chronic pain, was constructed: "Dealing with chronic pain is a process in which various attitudes and beliefs can result in the making of changes in daily life and activities. An action to adopt coping strategies is required, so self-involvement is needed. However, demographic characteristics, physical factors, psychological factors, social factors, relevant knowledge about one's own conditions and coping, and factors related to coping strategies affect how older adults deal with chronic pain. The actions that they choose to deal with chronic pain could lead to positive and/or negative outcomes."

Conclusions: Coping with chronic pain involves more than the use of coping strategies. This analysis provides suggestions on clinical assessments and interventions. The concept of coping with chronic pain requires continual development.