Partner validation in chronic pain couples

Abstract

In this issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Pain, Edlund and o-workers introduce a novel perspective to the management of hronic pain, namely the role of validation from the partners of eople struggling with chronic pain [1]. Through an experimental ithin-groups design, the authors aim to investigate how a brief alidation training of the partner without pain would influence pain nd emotions in the partner with pain. The study, which included 0 couples where the partners without pain received a brief valiation training, did indeed show that the training was successful n increasing validating responses, which again were followed by a ecrease in negative affect in the partner with pain. It has long been known that chronic pain takes a toll on the pouse of the chronic pain sufferer as well as the person suffering rom chronic pain [2]. Deterioration of the marital relationship is nfortunately a common consequence of long-lasting pain, with ole changes and decreased sexual activity as contributing factors 3]. Few intervention studies on chronic pain have focused their fforts on the couple interaction itself, and even fewer, if any, have argeted partner validation specifically. The study by Edlund et al. hus contributes with much needed knowledge about a novel angle o include in pain treatments. The main effect of the validation training appeared to involve reduction in negative affect, as reported by the chronic pain ufferer. As mentioned by the authors, this is concordant with he theoretical rationale behind partner validation, which is the ntimacy models of interaction [4]. In contrast to operant models f pain, where solicitous responses from the spouse are considred likely reinforcers of dysfunction, intimacy models postulate hat one particular response style, namely validation of emotional isclosure, has great potential to facilitate pain adjustment and ealthy emotional regulation [4]. Validating responses differeniates from other pain communication and pain behaviour by ommunicating understanding, legitimacy and acceptance. Since hronic pain patients often live in intimate relationship with a artner, involving the partner with a targeted intervention may epresent an untapped potential in treatment. Biopsychosocial