Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Chronic pain can impose significant limitations on one's ability to engage in day-to-day activities. Undeniably, it is difficult for people to accept that pain may become a permanent part of their reality, and a lot of energy is invested seeking a cure for their pain. Unfortunately, the needed technology to resolve pain is often unavailable. Incurable pain that impairs a person's ability to function in daily life can result in feelings of despair and hopelessness. Tang and Crane (2006) report that up to 50 percent of people participating in chronic pain support groups have seriously contemplated suicide due to difficulties coping with pain and related challenges. Although hope-focused psychotherapy interventions are expected to provide broader possibilities for achieving desired and meaningful futures for those limited by pain, there are currently no studies on the experiences of people participating in such therapeutic groups. This study will explore clients' experiences of a hope-focused therapy group with particular attention to participants' individual accounts of hope. The results of this study will contribute to the research literature on psychotherapy, may be used to enhance therapeutic practice, and will benefit other care professionals working with people who experience chronic pain.