The context in which a goal is set determines its satisfaction or dissatisfaction and not the goal itself. This also helps to alter the goal keeping an individual empowered and motivated. In a similar context, a study by Edith Cowan University focused on understanding the impact of chronic pain on mental health. They discovered that pain interference in daily life had a more profound effect on mental well-being than the intensity of the pain itself. Hence individuals who exhibited adaptability in pursuing goals despite chronic pain, known as “goal flexibility,” maintained better mental well-being.
The study involved over 300 individuals with non-cancer-related chronic pain. Through this comprehensive survey, the researchers gained insights into the multifaceted impact of chronic pain on individuals’ lives, focusing not only on the severity of the pain experienced but also on how it disrupted their daily routines and affected their ability to engage in activities vital for their wellbeing.
“These results suggest that it may be the pain interference with daily life, rather than the intensity of the pain, that impacts more negatively on mental wellbeing. Based on our results, people can find ways to maintain their mental well-being when their pain intensity is high, so long as it does not interfere with important aspects of their daily life,” says Tara Swindells, Co-researcher, Edith Cowan University (ECU).
The research advises:
- Encourage positive self-care messaging related to pain management, highlighting psychological resilience and adaptive strategies.
- Incorporate psychological processes into pain management strategies for a more comprehensive approach.
- Shift public health policies towards promoting psychological strengths over deficits in managing chronic pain.
“So, if you’re able to adjust, adapt and find ways to still achieve what matters to you most in the face of life’s obstacles, that’s going to help protect your mental wellbeing,” adds Swindells.