Affiliations: Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Institute
for Research in Citizenship and Applied Human Sciences, University of
Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK | Centre for Applied Psychological Research, Institute
for Research in Citizenship and Applied Human Sciences, University of
Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK
Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr Serena McCluskey, Senior Research
Fellow, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Institute for Research in
Citizenship and} Applied Human Sciences, HHR3/01, University of Huddersfield,
Queensgate, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3DH, UK. Tel.: +44 1484 471448;
Fax: +44 1484 473603; E-mail: s.mccluskey@hud.ac.uk
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Treatment expectations form a fundamental component of
the self-regulatory model of health behavior, which defines such cognitions as
illness perceptions. Unrealistic and/or unhelpful treatment expectations have
been linked to detrimental clinical and work outcomes in those with persistent
low back pain. However, research of this nature has rarely focused on the
influence of 'significant others' (spouse/partner/close family member). OBJECTIVE: To provide an in-depth examination of the treatment
expectations of the 'significant others' of individuals who have become unable
to work due to persistent low back pain, highlighting how significant others
may influence recovery and work participation outcomes for such individuals.
PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample (n=18) of work disability benefit
claimants and their significant others were recruited from two settings in the
North of England. METHOD: A qualitative research design was employed, and
semi-structured interviews based on the chronic pain version of the Illness
Perceptions Questionnaire-Revised were conducted with claimants and their
significant others. Interview data were analysed using template analysis. RESULTS: It was found that significant others expected a substantial
reduction or complete removal of pain in order for treatment to be considered
successful. The pursuit of diagnostic tests was important in validating such
expectations, and there was continued scepticism of treatments already
undertaken or offered as an alternative. Like the individuals affected,
significant others believed that a correct diagnosis had not yet been received,
which led to a continued delay in return to work. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that significant others have
similar unrealistic and/or unhelpful treatment expectations to those widely
reported by individuals with persistent low back pain, and could further
reinforce such illness perceptions and serve as wider psychosocial obstacles to
recovery and continued work participation.
Keywords: Back pain, illness perceptions, significant others, work disability
