First-year, first-generation to college undergraduates with chronic pain: A psychosociocultural exploration of wellness

Undergraduates' health and wellness is a critical focus in higher education, yet there remains a paucity of research exploring first-generation to college (FGC) undergraduates with chronic pain (CP). Examining 116 first-year, FGC undergraduates, this quantitative study sought to understand the impact of CP on pain acceptance for FGC undergraduates at a midwestern Predominately White Institution (PWI). Students were primarily White, self-identified female, domestic, and traditional first-year students, most of whom reported experiencing pain some to most days over the last 3 months. Using the Psychosociocultural Model, results revealed group differences by CP identity and onset. Regression analysis indicated adjustment and identity positively predicted wellness. Further, pain/pain impact partially mediated the relationship between identity and wellness. An ongoing, multidimensional examination in addressing pain acceptance for first-year, FGC undergraduates with CP is suggested, as it is not enough to just explore pain in and of itself.