Chronic Pain Theory and Nursing Applications Chronic pain theory is a mid-level nursing theory explored largely by Georgene Gaskill Eakes, Mary Lermnann Burke, and Maragret A. Hainsworth. The theory provides a framework for understanding and working with individuals who have experienced a significant loss of a loved one. As stated by Eakes et al. (1998, p. 179), Chronic grief is described as “…the periodic recurrence of permanent and pervasive sadness or other grief-related feelings associated with a significant loss.” As nurses, it is vitally important to understand and be aware of the high potential for chronic pain when treating patients across the lifespan with chronic and traumatic conditions. Chronic pain was introduced into the literature more than 50 years ago by Olshanksy in which he characterized recurrent episodes of pain observed in parents of children with mental deficits (as cited in Eakes et al., 1998). Olshanksy described chronic pain as a pervasive and recurrent sadness that was seen as a normal response to disruptions to the expected normality of parents with children of mental and/or physical disabilities (as cited in Eakes et al., 1998). ). It is important to note that chronic pain is not only associated with feelings of pain and sadness, but also with emotions of helplessness, fear, anger and frustration (Eakes et al, 1998). Kennedy (1970) describes chronic pain as pain that lasts two or more months. Nurses must be able to identify these feelings to effectively help those experiencing signs and symptoms of chronic pain. Hobdell, Grant, Valencia, Mare, et al. (2007) describe chronic pain and coping in families of children with epilepsy. Hobdell et al. (2007) state parents' perceptions of t...... half of article ......larship, 30 (2), 179-184.Hainsworth, M.A. (1994). Living with multiple sclerosis: the experience of chronic pain. The Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 26, 237-240.Hobdell, E. (1996). Response to "Chronic pain in people with Parkinson's and their spouses." Scholarly Inquiry for Nursing Practice, 10 (4), 367-370. Isaksson, A.-K., & Ahlstrom, G. (2008). Chronic pain management: experience of patients with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 40 (3), 180-191. Kennedy, J. Maternal reactions to the birth of a defective child. Social Casework, 57, 410-416. Lindgren, C. L. (1996). Chronic pain in people with Parkinson's and their spouses. Academic Inquiry into Nursing Practice, 10(4), 351-366.McDermott, J. A. (1988). Parental attitudes and coping behaviors in families of children with epilepsy. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing , 20, 174-179.