| The goal of this dissertation is to propose a multidimensional model of wellness that is applicable to chronic pain. Such a model has been developed by integrating existing research and theory on chronic pain, wellness and resilience and presenting it in a manner that is applicable in clinical settings. This practical model focuses on the applicability of resilience to chronic pain and is intended to address a general problem in the treatment and study of chronic pain, which typically focuses on the individual at the exclusion of psychosocial factors which have been found to have a direct impact on the severity of chronic pain, such as family relations, the social environment and socioeconomic conditions. The wellness model presented here broadens the view of interventions for chronic pain and promotes the study of changes on a community and social levels as part of the treatment of health problems. In order to evaluate the utility and effectiveness of this wellness model, it is recommended that it be applied to chronic pain patients across various populations in longitudinal studies. More research and statistical analyses should be implemented to establish the relationship between the various factors of this model and determine the efficacy, effectiveness and reliability of using such an integrative approach for chronic pain. |
