A qualitative analysis of pain meaning: results from the Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk (OK-SNAP).

The most widely accepted definition of pain considers it a sensory and emotional experience associated with potential or actual physical harm. However, research tends to generalize findings from predominantly European American samples thereby assuming universality across cultures. Because of the high prevalence of pain within the AI group, it is important to consider whether their conceptualization of pain is similar to the universal definition. To accomplish this aim, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 152 AIs (primarily Southern Plains and eastern Oklahoma tribes) and 150 NHWs. Both groups were asked questions including what words describe hurtful experiences, the purpose of painful experiences, individual and culture-specific meanings of pain, and what constituted the opposite of pain. Many similarities were found between groups as well as differences. For example, NHWs used the word pain more often to describe physically hurtful experiences and were more likely to consider pain to be a signal or warning of an abnormality or pathology. By contrast, only AIs reported culture-specific meanings of pain, such as references to AI rituals or ceremonies. These observed differences are attenuated by small effect sizes. These findings are important to consider when hypothesizing the differences in pain among cultural groups.

The relationship of self-compassion and hope with quality of life for individuals with bleeding disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Minimal research has been conducted examining the relationship of positive psychology variables with quality of life (QOL) for individuals with bleeding disorders. While many individuals manage their bleeding disorders well, some are at higher risk of developing psychosocial complications due to the daily stressors of managing illness-related symptoms. AIM: The purpose of this study is to better understand the relationships between two positive psychology variables, self-compassion and hope and QOL (overall, psychosocial and physical) among individuals diagnosed with bleeding disorders. METHODS: Participants completed a survey identifying demographic information as well as rating scales of self-compassion, hope and quality of life. We conducted Pearson correlational and standard multiple regression analyses to explore the bivariate and linear relationships between the aforementioned variables in a sample of 86 patients with bleeding disorders between the ages of 15 and 65. RESULTS: Self-compassion and hope were significantly related to QOL. Together, self-compassion and hope were predictive of overall QOL, psychosocial QOL and physical QOL. However, hope was the only individual predictor of all three QOL dimensions. CONCLUSION: Due to the significant relationships found between self-compassion, hope and QOL in this sample, it may be beneficial to incorporate positive psychology factors into the treatment of those diagnosed with bleeding disorders, especially those at higher risk for decreased QOL.