Abstract
Pain is a biopsychosocial phenomenon, which draws from physiological responses as well as cultural and social context and mental states. Pain is most frequently treated through surgical and pharmacological interventions, which can be costly and time-consuming, especially when treating chronic pain. Older adults suffer from chronic pain at a higher rate than the rest of the population, and more accessible interventions are desperately needed to help manage the experience of chronic pain. Mindfulness meditation is increasingly being utilized for management of pain due to evidence of its effectiveness, cheaper cost, and ability to be practiced outside of medical facilities. Prior research studies looked at the effectiveness of using mindfulness meditation to manage chronic pain, but a limited number have focused on older adults. This systematic review was conducted to examine the benefits of mindful meditation in managing chronic pain in older adults. Eight studies were included and narrative synthesis was used to demonstrate that while mindful meditation does not appear to reduce pain intensity, it may help manage chronic pain in older adults by changing the relationship to pain, which in turn may reduce functional impairment and negative emotions, and improve quality of life. Clinical applications are discussed.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Mindfulness (Psychology); Chronic pain—Older people; Meditation
Date of Award
2023
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Psychology
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Natasha Thapar-Olmos
Recommended Citation
Jacks, Gregory H., "A review of the effects of mindfulness meditation on chronic pain in older adults" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 1391.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1391