Women and Therapy
Volume 35, Issue 1-2, 2012, Pages 31-44

"I Have Not a Want But a Hunger to Feel No Pain" Mexican Immigrant Women with Chronic Pain: Narratives and Psychotherapeutic Implications (Article)

Flores C.M. , Zelman D.C. , Flores Y.
  • a East Bay Functional Restoration Center, Concord, CA, United States
  • b California School of Professional Psychology of Alliant International University, One Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
  • c University of California-Davis, California, United States

Abstract

We present a foundation for psychotherapy for Mexican immigrant women with chronic pain. We describe research on health care and the multiple identities that influence health behavior, including identity as Mexican, as immigrant, as Mexican woman, and as Christian. The importance of situating the pain narrative within the client's life narrative is illustrated by interviews with five Mexican immigrant women with moderate to severe chronic pain. Emergent themes revealed the profound impact of culture and gendered imperatives: matriarch, worker, sufferer, stoic. Suggestions for psychotherapy are provided, guided by awareness of core value systems, socioeconomic impact on access to care, and experiences as immigrant. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Women Coping Mexican American pain beliefs Chronic pain

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84855981921&doi=10.1080%2f02703149.2012.634718&partnerID=40&md5=ec274754cc1b18fc37e7d87a0eaed596
DOI: 10.1080/02703149.2012.634718
ISSN: 02703149
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English