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Seeing those who suffer: TWU's Hannah Hube studies how psychology may influence physical activity among individuals with chronic pain

“I find that the experience of chronic pain can easily be disregarded by individuals who do not struggle with it, and I want to be someone who not only listens to the stories of others, but who can also contribute to the growing body of literature.”
 
— Hannah Hube, Psychology with a Certificate in Human Services 


Hannah Hube cares deeply about people who suffer from chronic pain.

Hube, who is entering her third year majoring in Psychology with a Certificate in Human Services, is researching how psychology may influence physical activity levels among people who live with chronic pain. She is among the winners of 2021 TWU USRA research awards

Through her work, Hube seeks to represent the lived experiences of individuals who struggle with pain every day.
 

Inspired by the experiences of others

Hube was first inspired to address this topic through interaction with her many friends and professors who live with chronic pain.

“Many people do not understand what that is like,” Hube said. “I find that the experience of chronic pain can easily be disregarded by individuals who do not struggle with it, and I want to be someone who not only listens to the stories of others, but who can also contribute to the growing body of literature.”

She describes her research project. “We are seeking to determine how psychological mechanisms contribute to different levels of physical activity in a variety of chronic pain conditions,” she says.


“I want to address individuals who live with pain every day, tell them that their voice and experience is heard, and possibly lend findings that are clinically relevant.” 


Research that represents people who suffer with chronic pain

Hube says that she is excited for the opportunity to use and grow her skills, while representing a demographic of people that she cares about.

She explains that the current research on chronic pain correlates the experience of psychological mechanisms with the avoidance of physical activity in many different chronic pain conditions. She notes that research shows, many individuals with chronic pain avoid physical activity for a variety of reasons, including catastrophizing, anxiety and fear-avoidance.

“We know that physical activity can be used as treatment for chronic pain, as it also provides a variety of health and mental health benefits,” Hube said. “My project addresses different mechanisms that may explain why individuals with chronic pain avoid physical activity, or which mechanisms may explain higher engagement in physical activity.”
 

Upon investigating existing research, Hube noticed that many variables, such as body connection, personality, and beliefs about the value of exercise, were missing from the literature. Hube hopes to help fill this gap.

“I want to address individuals who live with pain every day, tell them that their voice and experience is heard, and possibly lend findings that are clinically relevant,” she said.


“I was able to meet people in the midst of their sickness and suffering, and listen to them. Through this experience, God placed the desire on my heart to attend a school for counselling psychology.”


Working at a medical clinic in the South Pacific

Hube, who is from Grande Prairie, Alberta, has wanted to attend TWU since she was a young teenager.

After high school, Hube went into the mission field, working as an administrator in a medical clinic on the South Pacific Island of Efate, Vanuatu. In her work, she was responsible for greeting people and making them feel welcome at the clinic.


 “I hope to continue to be a light to people in every circumstance that I am in. I love the community at TWU, and my dreams throughout and beyond my degree completion, are to be a friend, to represent, and to love individuals who are struggling.”


Through this experience, Hube met many people who were suffering. These interactions impressed upon her the needs of others.

 “I was able to meet people in the midst of their sickness and suffering, and listen to them,” she said. “Through this experience, God placed the desire on my heart to attend a school for counselling psychology.”
 

Called to be a light for those who are struggling

Along the way, Hube trusted in God’s provision and leading. “He provided for me to go to Trinity and alongside my hard work and dedication to my studies. He has been faithful to keep providing for me,” she says.

Hube feels thankfulness towards God for the opportunity to be a USRA award student this summer, working under the supervision of Dr. Kelly Arbeau.

Thinking of God’s provision, Hube says, “He keeps working through my life in ways that seem so miraculous to me.”

“I am honored to be a part of the academic community at Trinity and be a light to those who are struggling with pain,” she continued.

Hube believes her calling is to listen to and support others in need. “I hope to continue to be a light to people in every circumstance that I am in. I love the community at TWU, and my dreams throughout and beyond my degree completion, are to be a friend, to represent, and to love individuals who are struggling.” 
 
 
Read this story in the Langley Advance Times.


To participate in Hube's research, please see below for more information:

This project is seeking participants aged 18+ for a research study on chronic painful health conditions and physical activity.
Please click here for more information or to take part: The Physical Activity and Chronic Conditions Study Survey (surveymonkey.ca)


See also — TWU’s new Centre for Calling and Professional Development and how it benefits students:​
 
TWU News


 About Trinity Western University

Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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