COPING WITH CHRONIC LOW-BACK-PAIN - AN IDIOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION THROUGH FOCUS GROUPS

Objective: This article explores the coping construct held by individu als with chronic low back pain. The research addresses two criteria id entified as important for coping research: it looks at people's apprai sals and responses to the specific stressor of living with chronic low back pain, and it seeks to identify what these individuals actually t hink and do in response to the ongoing stressor of living with chronic pain. Method: Fifteen people with chronic low back pain who responded to a media release participated in focus group discussions on coping with chronic pain. Results: Analysis indicated the desirability, if no t need, for a somatic focus, the reliance on higher order cognitive st rategies for planful action, and the use of a varied repertoire of cop ing strategies. Conclusions: These findings are discussed both in term s of adjustment to chronic illness and in relation to current pain man agement practices.