Date of Conferral

12-12-2025

Date of Award

December 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Susan Marcus

Abstract

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. Chronic pain has been linked to death by suicide, and a considerable amount of research has examined how conditions that produce chronic pain increase the risk of SI and suicide attempts. Adhesive arachnoiditis (AA) produces chronic, intense pain and has not been well-studied. It was thought to be a rare condition, but the number of cases has grown dramatically in recent years. The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study was to explore the experience of SI in individuals with AA. The interpersonal theory of suicide was used to guide the development of the interview guide. Eight participants from across the United States were interviewed. Analysis of participants’ stories of pain and SI revealed that SI exists in the lived experience of relentless pain. Common themes were found in (a) the expression of SI over time, (b) perceived burdensomeness, (c) escape from pain, and (d) deterrents. SIs varied depending on the amount of pain and discomfort being experienced and was clearly linked to pain management and fear of losing the medications needed to experience a semblance of normal daily living. These findings can be disseminated to improve understanding of how people with AA live with chronic pain and self-manage SIs. Implications for positive social change include contributing to practitioners' clinical understanding of AA and educating them on how to better support their patients, as well as fostering compassion among caregivers, family, and friends. The results of this study may be disseminated to persons living with AA to validate their experiences and desire to be heard.

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