Researchers emphasize the importance of how parents and healthcare providers communicate with and support children who are in pain, regardless of the severity of the injury, recognizing that these early experiences can influence their adult lives.
From a simple ache to anxiety over needles, the way a child is cared for during painful moments can have a lasting impact on how they deal with pain as adults.
A recent study from the University of South Australia highlights the need for parents and physicians to be thoughtful in their interactions with children experiencing pain — be it a minor scrape or something more serious — as these initial experiences can shape their future responses to pain.
The researchers, drawing from various fields like developmental psychology, child mental health, and pain studies, stress the importance of validating a child’s pain by acknowledging their feelings, experiences, and behaviors related to pain as real and worthy of understanding.
When a child’s pain is validated, they feel acknowledged and believed, which strengthens their relationship with their parents or treating doctors.
According to UniSA researcher Dr. Sarah Wallwork, the dynamics of social relationships are pivotal in influencing health perceptions throughout an individual’s life.
“When a parent or physician acknowledges a child’s feelings in a manner that corresponds with their expressed vulnerability, it fosters acceptance, builds connections and trust, and may aid the child in developing essential emotional regulation skills,” Dr. Wallwork mentions.
“For instance, when a physician pays attention and reacts to a child’s emotional and behavioral signals, particularly relating to their need for assistance, they reassure the child that their pain is legitimate, while simultaneously encouraging positive pain management actions like visiting the clinic.
“On the contrary, if these emotional cues go unnoticed, or if a doctor questions the genuineness of the child’s pain, it can lead to detrimental effects. This could damage the trust in the doctor-patient relationship, affect future attendance at medical appointments, and hinder adherence to pain management strategies.
“Pain and emotions are deeply intertwined, and difficulties in managing emotions often accompany chronic pain.
“By recognizing and validating children’s pain experiences, they are likely to carry fewer negative memories related to pain and be more inclined to seek help in the future when necessary.
In Australia, about one in four children are affected by chronic pain. The financial impact of chronic pain in the country exceeds $139 billion, primarily due to a decline in quality of life and lost productivity.
Dr. Wallwork states that preparing children for success should encompass all life aspects, including effective pain management.
“Our findings shed light on an often overlooked aspect of pain treatment for children and adolescents, especially for those from marginalized communities who frequently receive inadequate treatment for pain,” Dr. Wallwork notes.
“Individuals with chronic pain frequently report their experiences being met with skepticism or disregard, which can lead to serious repercussions, including mental health issues and a diminished quality of life.
“Given the heavy toll of chronic pain and its connection to the growing mental health crisis among children, it’s crucial that we improve pain management at earlier stages rather than postponing it until the situation worsens.”
Dr. Wallwork asserts that this examination lays the groundwork for future empirical studies.
