Many research methodologies are rooted in the idea that complex phenomena can be reduced to essential underlying processes. A modernist perspective. Narrative inquiry is different. Through a postmodern lens, narrative inquiry positions complex phenomena as contextual, where complex phenomena must be understood as an expression of a complex holistic system.
Maybe that was a lot of jargon?
Put more simply, the intention behind this research was not to combine the findings from the 10 participant stories into a unified understanding of personal recovery from persistent pain. Each person’s experience of personal recovery arises in a unique context. Narrative inquiry does not aim to find “the answer.” Rather, it supports an ongoing deepening of our understanding of experience.
The tables below capture the themes in the participants’ stories. These themes are elaborated on in my thesis, which you can access through Thesis Canada here.
Established Factors Further Supported
The established factors listed below present prominently and consistently in the existing research literature, and they also presented in the stories of some of the research participants in this study. The quote below is an excerpt from my thesis document.
I encourage the reader, especially if you are a person living with pain, not to interpret established factors as being the best or right ones. Many systemic factors influence what researchers chose to study and what they do not. And a recovery factor being established in the literature and/or clinical practice does not mean it is a universal answer; there are no universal answers. Nothing in this research is presented from the perspective that it will help everyone. Everything mentioned in this research, however, was helpful for someone.
| BIOLOGICAL | PSYCHOLOGICAL | SOCIAL |
| Exercise/Physical Activity | Acceptance | Social Support |
| Mindbody Practices | Optimism & Hope | People with Similar Challenges |
| Medications & Treatment | Working Hard | Supportive Healthcare Providers |
| Manageable Symptoms | Self-Awareness/Attending to Needs | Feeling Believed & Validated |
| Stress Management | Understanding One’s Condition | Faith |
| Being Functional | Confidence & Resilience | |
| Diet | Self-Identity Expands Beyond Pain | |
| Proactive Pain Management | ||
| Pacing |
Emerging Factors Further Supported
Emerging factors can be found in the literature (but not prominently or consistently), and they also presented in some of the stories of the participants in this research.
| BIOLOGICAL | PSYCHOLOGICAL | SOCIAL |
| Adaptive Aids & Ergonomics | Mental Discipline | Pets |
| Improved Sleep | Engagement | Helping Others in Pain |
| Nature & Music | Contained Self-Pity | Situations that Support Healing |
| Openness & Trying Everything | ||
| Whole-Person Approach | ||
| Reducing Fear & Feeling Safe | ||
| Meaning & Purpose | ||
| Gratitude | ||
| Self-Compassion & Sense of Self-Worth | ||
| Creating | ||
| Calmer State of Mind | ||
| Facing Mortality | ||
| Personal Growth | ||
| Healing as a Journey | ||
| Persevering | ||
| Ownership Over Health | ||
| Improving Mood | ||
| Mindset of Caring |
Novel Factors in this Inquiry
Novel factors came through in this research but I did not find them in existing research.
| BIOLOGICAL | PSYCHOLOGICAL | SOCIAL |
| Supportive Routines | Having Hit Rock Bottom | Not Living in Poverty |
| Reducing Substance Use | Psychological Practitioners/Interventions | Self-Advocacy |
| Healing Trauma & Feeling Feelings | Healthcare Provider Awareness of Condition | |
| Patience | Setting Boundaries | |
| Belief in Ability to Influence Life/Pain | Opportunities for Meaningful Learning | |
| Not Masking & Being Authentic Self | Access to Interdisciplinary Pain Clinic | |
| Making the Best of Now | Prioritizing Social Connection | |
| Living Close to Healthcare/Accessing Online | ||
| Being White | ||
| Flexible Employment | ||
| Getting Out of the House | ||
| Challenging Messages that Instill Fear |