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Abstract
<p class="first" id="d5262322e67">The primary objective of this paper is to discuss
how a resilience approach to (chronic)
pain may advance our current understanding of (mal)adaptation to pain. Different resilience
perspectives are described, and future challenges for research, prevention and treatment
of (chronic) pain are discussed. Literature searches were performed in Web of Science
and PubMed to identify relevant literature on risk and resilience in the context of
pain. Resilience can be best defined as the ability to restore and sustain living
a fulfilling life in the presence of pain. The Psychological Flexibility Model, the
Broaden-and-Build Theory, and Self-Determination Theory are described as theories
that may provide insight into resilience within the context of (chronic) pain. We
describe how a resilience paradigm shifts the outcomes to pursue in pain research
and intervention and argue the need for including positive outcomes in addition to
negative outcomes. Psychological flexibility, positive affect and basic psychological
needs satisfaction are described as potentially important resilience mechanisms with
the potential to target both sustainability and recovery from pain. A resilience approach
to chronic pain may have important implications for the prevention and treatment of
chronic pain problems, as it may give specific indications on how to empower patients
to continue living a fulfilling life (in the presence of pain).
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