“It Can’t Be That Bad”: Stigmatization As A Barrier To Receiving Chronic Pain Treatment

“It is normal for many people to experience pain at some point in their life. However, some people experience chronic pain, which is pain that persists for at least three months and can even for years. Individuals with chronic pain are often subjected to negative stereotypes that undermine the legitimacy of their pain experience. These individuals are not only stigmatized by the general public, but also the health professionals who work with them during rehabilitation and treatment. The research by Dr. Diane LaChapelle at the University of New Brunswick examines how perceptions of people with chronic pain are influenced by stereotypes and how these perceptions hinder effective decision-making for the treatment of chronic pain.”

Read more