Self-Management for Persistent Pain: The Blame, Shame and Inflame Game?

This book critiques the current approach to the self-management of persistent pain and advocates for a more collaborative approach that takes into account the life-context of the person living with the condition. It will be valuable to researchers and practitioners in the field of health psychology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 125 pages
Publication date: 24 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The current approach to managing chronic pain is under scrutiny in this book, which offers a critical analysis. As healthcare systems grapple with the challenge of providing care for individuals with long-term health conditions, there is a growing emphasis on self-management of chronic pain. However, Karen Rodham argues that while self-management is an empowering concept, it has not yet been fully realized in practice, leading to the potential for blaming and shaming individuals living with chronic conditions for their inability to effectively manage their conditions. She suggests that this tension can exacerbate their condition, emphasizing the need for a shift away from the terms "self-management" and "management" towards a more collaborative approach.

Drawing from research evidence and her extensive clinical experience, Rodham advocates for a perspective that takes into account the individual's life context, recognizing the multifaceted aspects that influence their pain experience. This book explores the limitations of focusing solely on self-management without considering the broader life context and examines the factors that have contributed to this tendency. It offers insights into potential solutions and provides valuable resources for researchers and practitioners, particularly in the field of health psychology.

By advocating for a more collaborative approach, this book aims to empower individuals living with chronic pain by acknowledging their unique circumstances and providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive. It serves as a call to action for healthcare professionals to prioritize patient-centered care and work towards creating environments that foster self-management and collaboration, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by chronic pain.

Weight: 193g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030489717
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020