Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Lucille Esralew

Abstract

This qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of 10 women who used mindfulness to alleviate their chronic pain associated with cervical dystonia (CD). Individuals who suffer from CD face challenges related to symptom management and the psychological effects from experiencing chronic pain. Since treatments for CD are limited and pharmacological options to treat chronic pain, like opioids, can lead to addictions, individuals with CD may seek non-pharmacological treatment options. Women, 18-60 years of age were interviewed using a semi-structured interview process. Bandura’s self-regulation theory provided a framework for this study. Results from this study found that chronic pain associated with CD can contribute to a loss of a sense of control that can also be associated with depression. Mindfulness techniques helped participants to increase their functionality and allowed them to feel hopeful. Participants varied in their descriptions and definitions of mindfulness practices. The participants demonstrated self-efficacy by conveying confidence in their mindfulness practices with which they met the challenges they were experiencing. A limitation of this study includes comorbid pain from other diagnosed conditions other than CD. Future participant recruitment would benefit from elimination of participants with comorbid pain conditions. Study results have the potential to influence positive social change and awareness of how individuals understand and experience mindfulness practices as it relates to pain within the context of CD. Future research can build upon the present study by including a mixed gender sample and by utilizing a mixed method approach with a larger sample size.

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