For millions of people worldwide, chronic pain is an unwelcome companion that can dramatically reshape daily life.
Simple tasks become challenging, routines are disrupted, and emotional resilience is continuously tested.
A new study by Helena Widdrington and colleagues, published in the British Journal of Health Psychology (2025), explores the personal characteristics and coping strategies that enable people to flourish despite chronic pain.
Their findings offer insights that challenge the traditional view of chronic pain as solely debilitating.
The study analyzed qualitative data from 17 studies involving diverse participants, reveals that attitudes towards pain, openness to trying new strategies, meaningful social connections, and a sense of purpose are key components that allow people to thrive while living with chronic pain.
Chronic pain – lasting longer than three months without a clear underlying cause – affects between a third to half of the UK population.
It has been strongly associated with negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life.
Traditionally, pain management has emphasized a deficit model, focusing primarily on coping strategies aimed at reducing negative feelings and symptoms.
However, recent approaches from positive psychology, like Martin Seligman’s PERMA model (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments), highlight the importance of focusing on strengths and resources to foster well-being.
Widdrington’s study found that individuals who accepted their pain and chose to adopt a positive outlook experienced greater well-being.
Participants often described this acceptance as liberating, shifting energy away from resisting pain to engaging in life more fully.
As one participant noted, “When I finally just accepted that I do have some pain…it wasn’t as big an issue in my life.”
Moreover, an openness to explore different management techniques – such as yoga, dietary changes, and holistic care – significantly contributed to thriving.
Participants highlighted that flexibility and perseverance in trying new approaches not only reduced pain but also enriched their lives, reinforcing a sense of personal growth and autonomy.
Social connections also emerged as a critical factor.
Supportive relationships, both personal and professional, fostered a strong sense of community and belonging.
Participants described how sharing experiences with others who understood their condition provided emotional comfort and practical advice, enhancing their ability to cope positively.
Conversely, feeling dismissed or misunderstood due to the invisible nature of chronic pain was found to significantly hinder thriving.
Finding meaning despite chronic pain was another powerful factor identified by the researchers.
Participants emphasized the importance of continuing to pursue valued activities and personal goals, even in modified forms. Humor, gratitude, and appreciation for life’s small joys enabled many to sustain a sense of normality and satisfaction.
These findings hold practical implications for the way chronic pain is addressed by healthcare professionals.
The study suggests that incorporating positive psychology approaches – such as acceptance, meaningful engagement, and building supportive communities – into pain management programs could significantly enhance patient outcomes.
For individuals living with chronic pain, this underscores the importance of cultivating a supportive social network, remaining open to new pain management strategies, and actively seeking ways to connect with meaningful aspects of life.
While the research acknowledges certain limitations, including a predominantly White, Global North participant pool, it lays a crucial foundation for further exploration into positive psychological interventions for chronic pain sufferers worldwide.
Ultimately, this study shines a hopeful light on chronic pain management, revealing that thriving alongside persistent pain is not only possible but attainable through personal resilience, meaningful connections, and a proactive mindset.
For the millions affected by chronic pain, these insights could offer a transformative perspective, encouraging a life characterized not by limitation, but by possibility.
Citation:
Widdrington, H., Krahé, C., Herron, K., Smith, K., & Cherry, M. G. (2025). Thriving when living with chronic pain: A qualitative evidence synthesis of individuals’ experiences. British Journal of Health Psychology, 30, e70000. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.70000
