Commentary: Peer Support Needs of Adolescents With Chronic Pain.

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by increased autonomy and importance of peer relationships (Jones et al., 2021) wherein connection and encouragement from peers become central for navigating life stressors (Roach, 2018). Many adolescents with chronic pain report social challenges during this developmental period, including a sense of isolation, loneliness, and perceived differences from their pain-free peers as well as prolonged and frequent school absences and withdrawal from activities (Jones et al., 2021). Given the importance of peer relationships in adolescence and the risk of negative social-developmental outcomes among adolescents with chronic pain, Linkiewich et al. (this issue) sought to elucidate the peer support needs of adolescents with chronic pain. Linkiewich et al. (this issue) conducted virtual semi-structured interviews with 14 adolescents with chronic pain (aged 12–17 years) centered on adolescents’ understanding of peer support, the extent they were currently receiving it from other adolescents with chronic pain, perceived benefits or concerns about peer support, and how this support may differ from what they received from pain-free peers. Through reflexive thematic analysis, Linkiewich et al. (this issue) generated three themes, which captured adolescents’ experiences with their non-pain peers (“Being Misunderstood”) and peers with pain (“They Would Understand Me,” “Moving Forward Together in Our Pain Journeys”). Together, these results provided key insights into the immediate- and long-term social support needs of adolescents with chronic pain as well as suggested potential benefits and considerations in addressing these needs through peer support interventions (PSIs).