Chronic Pain & Psychosocial Health

Dr. Nguyen's dedication to pain research stems from the stark reality that pain is the primary driver behind healthcare seeking, inflicting suffering on countless individuals and imposing a substantial annual financial burden, estimated between $560-635 billion, encompassing lost wages and medical expenses. Nonetheless, pain has often been narrowly viewed as a purely physical phenomenon, disregarding the intricate neurological connections between social, physical, and emotional pain. Historically, the division between psychosocial and physical pain in empirical research has fragmented efforts, potentially obstructing progress in both domains and impeding the pursuit of comprehensive and integrative care. Therefore, it becomes imperative to delve into the intricate intersections between these facets, breaking down barriers, and advancing our comprehension of health disparities and holistic well-being.

Utilizing extensive national and longitudinal datasets, most notably the Midlife in The United States (MIDUS) dataset, Dr. Nguyen's research has illuminated the intricate links between contextual factors (e.g., Social Support; Racism; Work and Family Interface), psychological variables (e.g., Loneliness, Gender Norms), and health-related outcomes (e.g., Pain Severity, Psychological Well-being, Opioid Usage). 

Aside from revealing the mechanisms or pathways to which contextual risk factors may predict poorer health and physical pain outcomes, Dr. Nguyen's research also demonstrates opportunities for interventions by identifying multiple factors that may mitigate such adverse associations (e.g., prosocial behaviors; social support). These findings shed light on the profound interconnectedness of various facets of pain, serving as the cornerstone for a more sophisticated understanding of the intricate relationships among multiple life domains and their profound impacts on health. 

Beyond contributing to the holistic assessment of pain, these insights have paved the way for the development of more integrative and comprehensive approaches to pain assessment, treatment, and management. Furthermore, these insights can be instrumental in advocating for policies that endorse integrated intervention and prevention strategies, to aid minoritized communities in their healing journey when confronted with pain.

*Current and Future Project:

Chronic pain, frequently characterized as an invisible disability, can subject individuals to ableism, especially within the workplace. Dr. Nguyen's current project explores the relationship between workplace ableism and pain-related outcomes, identifying potential protective factors such as Work-life Balance Policy, Work-Family Enrichment, Supportive Supervisors, and Critical Consciousness. 

Dr. Nguyen's future research plans to analyze how individuals' chronic illness status interacts with other identities (e.g., racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, sexual orientation) to influence their experiences and health outcomes. This research informs inclusive policies and interventions (e.g., Anti-Ableism Policies, Flexible Work Arrangement, Training and Sensitization) to support individuals navigating work, illness, and identity, as well as foster a more inclusive working environment.