title: Intimacy and family relationships of women with chronic pain.
abstract: This study explored family relationships and intimacy of women experiencing chronic pain from the perspective of the women and their family members. A narrative ethnographic qualitative research design was used. Narrative and field data were analyzed using the coding procedure outlined by Strauss aided by the QSR NUD*IST 4 qualitative computer software program. Twenty-five women self-identified as experiencing chronic pain, and 13 family members including 7 husbands, 1 father, 1 stepmother, and 4 children living in the home were interviewed. Three patterns of behavior emerged regarding family relationships: cycle of close involvement compensated with isolation, focus directed toward others, and loss of physical sexual intimacy. Findings of this study indicate that family members' perception is that chronic pain affects important basic relationships and both emotional and physical intimacy. A need exists to relieve some of the suffering that accompanies pain in these women and their families. Based on the study's findings, several treatment strategies are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Ohio, School of Nursing, Toledo, OH 44839, USA. Annsmith44@aol.com
authors.forename: A Ann
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010146:Pain / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D012929:Psychological Distance; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*