The Impact of Gender, Employment and Class on Perceptions of Chronic Pain: An Ecological Perspective

This research explored the lived experiences of working class, unemployed men who experienced chronic pain and their meaning making process. Using qualitative in-depth phenomenological interviewing this research examined how employment, class and gender affected perceptions of life for clients who are unable to work due to a chronic pain condition. Previous literature related to the chronic pain experience suggested that multiple variables should be addressed in counseling for healing to take place.

Six unemployed working class men with chronic pain participated in two ninety minute in-depth interviews. As relevant themes emerged, data were analyzed through an ecological lens in order to conceptualize the intricate contextual and persona; factors interacting in these men's lives, subjective differences in how life with chronic pain is experienced, and the characteristics and life challenges faced by those experiencing chronic pain. This research can assist counselors and clients in the development of strategies to change client attitudes and/or behaviors by understanding how men may perceive and experience their lives in the context of chronic pain.