The Association Between Partner Reactions to Chronic Pain and Pain‐Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Key Points
To explore how partner reactions affect outcomes for individuals with chronic pain.
Conducted a systematic review of existing literature on partner reactions to chronic pain.
Focused on studies linking partner responses to pain-related outcomes.
Evaluated the potential for new clinical interventions involving partners.
Identified significant associations between supportive partner reactions and improved pain outcomes.
Highlighted the role of empathy in partner responses as beneficial for those with chronic pain.
Recommended further research into interventions that foster partner involvement and autonomy.
Abstract
This was the first systematic review to investigate associations between partner reactions and pain-related outcomes for people living with persistent pain. Based on the results of this review, new clinical interventions that consider the relational context and involve partners as active participants are needed in the chronic pain field. Interventions that assist partners to respond with empathy while encouraging autonomy may have promising results and warrant further investigation.