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Section A: Presents a narrative literature review using a quality appraisal framework to evaluate the quality of studies exploring the experiences of people with chronic pain attending pain management programmes. Chronic pain and pain management programmes are discussed. The review presents three broad categories that summarise the qualitative findings: interrelational group experience; introspective experience; and self-management skills. The clinical implications include encouraging discussions in the pain management programmes to foster these group processes. The research implications include exploring experiences of attending pain management programmes for specific disease conditions (e.g. sickle cell disease). Section B: Presents a grounded theory study exploring the therapeutic mechanisms that are perceived in sickle cell pain management programmes. A model hypothesises that the processes of learning about pain, the sharing and relating within the group of participants may have contributed to the development of a more positive sickle cell identity through acceptance and making changes. Participants who attended non-specific pain management programmes highlighted the importance of the facilitators’ knowledge in relation to sickle cell. The model contributes to understanding how people with sickle cell disease can be supported in managing their pain, and relevant clinical and research implications are considered.