Adolescents Living with Chronic Pain and Loneliness Before, During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Interpretative Inquiry

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain affects 20.8% of adolescents globally, often leading to persistent loneliness and diminished social and psychological well-being. Methods: Lived experiences of loneliness among 11 adolescents (ages 12–18) with chronic pain during the COVID-19 pandemic were explored, using interpretative phenomenological analysis and photo elicitation. Demographic, pain, and loneliness data were collected using questionnaires and in-depth videoconference interviews. Results: Three themes included: 1) A Shared Vision of Loneliness; 2) Living with Pain and Loneliness; and 3) Navigating Precarious Social Environments. Loneliness was described as a dark, isolating experience, intensified by feelings of exclusion, especially in school settings. Pandemic restrictions had mixed effects on loneliness. Supportive peer relationships helped mitigate loneliness. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for clinicians to assess loneliness, promote social engagement and advocate for academic accommodations to enhance school belonging. Future research should explore targeted interventions and longitudinal outcomes, including in linguistic and gender diverse populations.