Autogenic training for people experiencing chronic pain

PhD Thesis


Porter, C. 2015. Autogenic training for people experiencing chronic pain. PhD Thesis Canterbury Christ Church University Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology
AuthorsPorter, C.
TypePhD Thesis
Qualification nameDClinPsychol
Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the process of an eight-week autogenic training (AT) programme for people experiencing chronic pain, as perceived by participants, and to hypothesise about mechanism of change, where reported.
Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who had taken part in AT at the Royal London Hospital of Integrated Medicine (N=8) or with a private practitioner accredited by the British Autogenic Society (N=3). A grounded theory design was employed to build an inductive model ‘grounded’ in the qualitative data.
Six main categories emerged: 1) ‘Nobody knows what’s wrong with me’: Trying to get help for the pain; 2) ‘A “mind-body” conversation’: The process of AT for chronic pain; 3) ‘Something my body wanted more of – like nectar’: The effects of AT; 4) ‘Bringing us back’: Practicing AT with other(s); 5) ‘Giving yourself permission to stop’: Practicing AT independently; and 6) ‘Not just free-falling’: Comparing AT with other therapies. A number of inter-related sub-categories and dimensions were also identified.The study suggests that AT is a useful therapeutic tool with benefits for both physical and psychological well-being for people experiencing chronic pain. It illuminates the inter-connected nature of these areas of health, which have historically been treated as distinct entities. Further research is needed to explore a potential role for AT in management of stress, pain and wellbeing.

Keywordsautogenic training; chronic pain; mind-body therapy; grounded theory.
Year2015
Supplemental file
File Access Level
Restricted
Publication process dates
Deposited06 Nov 2015
Accepted2015
Output statusUnpublished
Accepted author manuscript
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https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/878w8/autogenic-training-for-people-experiencing-chronic-pain

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