Conceptualizing pain-related stigma in adolescent chronic pain: a literature review and preliminary focus group findings

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain in adolescents is a significant medical condition, affecting the physical and psychological well-being of youth and their families. Pain-related stigma is a significant psychosocial factor in adolescents with chronic pain that has been understudied, despite its implications for negative health outcomes, poor quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization. OBJECTIVES: To examine pain-related stigma in the literature documenting pediatric and adult health-related stigma and present preliminary findings from a focus group of adolescents with chronic pain. METHODS: In this narrative review, we explored pain-related stigma research and conceptualized the literature to address pain-related stigma among adolescents with chronic pain. Additionally, we conducted a focus group of four adolescent females with chronic pain and using content analyses, coded the data for preliminary themes. RESULTS: We propose a pain-related stigma model and framework based on our review and the findings from our focus group. Findings suggest that medical providers, school personnel (ie, teachers and school nurses), peers and even family members enact pain-related stigma toward adolescents with chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this narrative review, there is preliminary evidence of pain-related stigma among adolescents with chronic pain and future research is warranted to better understand the nature and extent of this stigma within this population.