Practitioner perceptions of peer relationships in adolescents with chronic pain

Nine practitioners who specialize in the treatment of adolescents with chronic pain were interviewed on their perceptions of the adolescents’ peer functioning. A qualitative analysis based on Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) was used. Practitioners generally reported a decline in the adolescents’ peer functioning. However, if adolescents had good peer relationships prior to pain onset, they tended to maintain adequate functioning in the social arena while experiencing chronic pain. Practitioners noted that avoidance of peers was a strategy used by adolescents, due more to the pain than social competence issues. They also suggested that adolescents who felt comfortable disclosing pain status, likely to be consistent with good social skills, benefited from peer support. Implications for practice and research are discussed.